MSPs call for views on member's alcohol control bill

Proposed legislation which has the aim of promoting public health and reducing alcohol related offending is being scrutinised by Holyrood's Health & Sport Committee, which has issued a call for views on the proposals.

The Alcohol (Licensing, Public Health and Criminal Justice) (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Dr Richard Simpson MSP, contains measures that:

• place restrictions on the retailing and advertising of alcoholic drinks, including placing a restriction on alcoholic drinks containing caffeine;
• make changes to licensing laws;
• place obligations on the Scottish ministers to publish, review and report on its alcohol education policy; and
• direct certain people whose offending or antisocial behaviour is attributable to alcohol consumption towards treatment or restrictions on that consumption.

Convener Duncan McNeil MSP said: “This bill contains many wide ranging provisions including measures which aim to tackle underage drinking, restrictions on advertising alcoholic drinks and a focus on providing alcohol awareness training.

“The misuse of alcohol has a devastating impact both on communities and individuals across Scotland. However, it is the role of this Committee to look at the detail behind the proposals and determine is if this legislation would make a positive difference.”

Click here to view the call for evidence. Comments are invited until 24 June 2015.