Scotland propose under 21 ban

Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond has faced a backlash from a number of drinks organizations after his proposal last week to raise the age for purchase of alcohol from 18 to 21. The proposal was one of 15 published in a discussion paper that aims to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.

The Portman group which acts as the social responsibility body for UK drinks producers, says that plans to demonize alcohol in the country won't solve the nation's alcohol problems. It claims that countries adopting a similar approach have failed to achieve any significant reduction in alcohol misuse and that attempting to tackle problems by raising prices or restricting availability would be untargeted, unfair and ineffective.

The Coalition Against Raising The Drinking Age in Scotland (CARDAS) has also attacked the proposals – the coalition includes the Wine & Spirit Trade Association , the Scottish Grocers Federation and The Scottish Retail Consortium.

The government proposals, which are part of a Health Bill, are subject to an ongoing consultation on alcohol misuse in the country. If they are agreed upon, the new laws upon could come into force next year.