CALL FOR EVIDENCE ON ALCOHOL BILL LAUNCHED
26 November 2009
Views on minimum pricing of alcohol, off-sales discounts and raising the alcohol sales age to 21, have all been called for today by the Health and Sport Committee.
A call for evidence on the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill was launched by the committee after the Bill was introduced to the Parliament by the Scottish Government yesterday.
Committee Convener Christine Grahame MSP said: “This Bill aims to address the serious public-health issues surrounding alcohol consumption in Scotland.
"We hope all organisations and individuals with an interest in this subject from health to licensing sectors will submit their views by 20 January 2010 and allow us to consider this Bill thoroughly.”
Call for written evidence
The committee welcomes evidence from individuals as well as from organisations and professional bodies and intends that evidence received will inform its consideration of the Bill at Stage 1.
The committee invites views on all aspects of the Bill. Responses should address all or any of the following points in turn:
- The advantages and disadvantages of establishing a minimum alcohol sales price based on a unit of alcohol
- The level at which such a proposed minimum price should be set and the justification for that level
- The rationale behind the use of minimum pricing as an effective tool to address all types of problem drinking
- Possible alternatives to the introduction of a minimum alcohol sales price as an effective means of addressing the public-health issues surrounding levels of alcohol consumption in Scotland
- The advantages and disadvantages of introducing a social-responsibility levy on pubs and clubs in Scotland
- The justification for empowering licensing boards to raise the legal alcohol-purchase age in their area to 21
- The role of promotional offers and promotional material in encouraging people to purchase more alcohol than they intended
- Any other aspects of the Bill.
The Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill
The main purposes of the Bill are to:
- Introduce a minimum sales price for a unit of alcohol (sections 1 & 2 of the Bill).
- Introduce a restriction for off-sales on supply of alcoholic drinks free of charge or at a reduced price (section 3).
- Make provision in law with respect to the sale of alcohol to under 21s (section 8).
- Restrict the location of drinks promotions in off-sales premises (section 4).
- Introduce a requirement for licence holders to operate an age verification policy (section 5).
- Make provision in law for a social responsibility levy on licence holders (sections 10 & 11).
Further information on the Bill and its accompanying documents.
How to submit your evidence
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Wednesday, 20 January 2010. Please see the Health and Sport Committee webpage for guidance on how to submit your evidence.
Background
Following consideration of the written submissions received, the committee will agree a programme of oral evidence sessions and may request further written evidence as required.
Should you require alternative formats of this document or further information or assistance in making a written submission to the committee, please do not hesitate to contact the clerking team.
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Email: sean.wixted@scottish.parliament.uk
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