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Tackling alcohol misuse
21/07/2008
Tackling alcohol misuse is theme of a series of visits the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will make today.
Starting in Inverness, Mr MacAskill will receive an update from police offficers and local partners on efforts to tackle underage drinking, including the roll out of Test Purchasing in Inverness.
The Aberfeldy Distillery and Dewar's World of whisky are the next stop; Mr MacAskill will tour the facilities and discuss the proposals for tackling alcohol misuse with representatives of the Scotch Whisky Industry.
Mr MacAskill will then meet with Perth and Kinross Licensing Board to discuss the implementation of the Licensing Act 2005, and find out more about their proactive approach to helping licensees during the transition period.
Speaking in advance of the visits Mr MacAskill said:
"Communities across Scotland know the effects of alcohol misuse - including the crimes committed whilst drunk, the increase hospital admissions or simply having to think twice about walking down the main street at night.
"This Government knows we need to take action. Our bold proposals include brining in minimum pricing, banning irresponsible promotions and brining in a social responsibility fee to deal with the costs.
"Over the summer I'll be speaking to police forces and their local partners to find out how they are tackling alcohol related issues in their area, I am especially keen to find out how test Purchasing is making a difference in Inverness.
"It's not the drink that's the problem, it's how we're drinking it. We need to tackle the scourge of the bevvy culture but we are also keen to promote fine products that we are justly proud of.
"My visit to the Aberfeldy Distillery will send a clear signal that tackling alcohol misuse is not about penalising an industry.
"Local boards have discretion and a common sense approach is needed. They know where the problems are and they should tackle them. Equally they know that certain products and facilities, such as distilleries, promote and attract tourists to the area and they should support them.
"Indeed, We are now well into the transition period for the new Licensing Act, where every licensee had to move from the old system to the new. I know that Perth and Kinross Licensing Board have taken a practical, common sense approach to helping licensees through the process. That's why I was keen to take this opportunity to visit and to find out more about how they have found the process so far.
"I'd also like to thank the staff of the board for the great work they've been doing to help make sure the transition goes as effectively as possible. One of the advantages of the Act is that the whole ethos of it is to allow local boards to do what's right for their own area and it's great to see boards taking advantage of this."