Pringle Slams "Draconian" Alcohol Proposals

3.31.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Jul 2008

Mike Pringle has hit back at the Scottish Government's proposals to increase the minimum age for alcohol off license sales from 18 to 21.

The plans have come under widespread criticism for their sweeping and indiscriminate nature as they would effectively introduce a presumption of guilt for an entire generation of 18 to 20 years olds.

Mike has pledged his backing to a petition against the plans which will run alongside the official consultation period for the Government's alcohol strategy. The results will then be presented to the Health Secretary.

Commenting, Mike Pringle said:

"Raising the drinking age for off-sales to 21 is a totally misguided move by the Government. It will introduce a presumption that an entire generation of 18 to 20 year-olds are irresponsible drinkers and will do nothing to improve relations between government and young people. Indeed, it could do quite the reverse.

"If Scotland is to tackle its drink problem we need the overwhelming majority of young people who drink responsibly on-side setting an example to their generation.

"Young people have already been in touch with me to support my opposition to the Government's proposal. I would encourage everyone who is concerned about this issue to get online and sign the petition against the plans.

"Our young people are part of the solution not just part of the problem."

If you would like to either read more about the Scottish Government's plans or sign the petition against their proposals, more information is available at

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/node/5700