DOCTORS published a five-point plan yesterday which they want ministers to put into practice to tackle Scotland's deadly alcohol problem.

BMA Scotland is calling on the executive to meet its five key demands to reduce problem drinking, which kills six people in Scotland every day.

Number one on their list is that the executive uses its legislative powers under the 2005 Licensing (Scotland) Act to end cheap drink promotions offered by supermarkets and off licences.

The doctors' union derided supermarkets for selling alcohol as a "loss leader", which it said in some cases resulted in alcohol being cheaper to buy than bottled water.

It is likely that the plan will receive support from the executive as it comes soon after new Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill pledged to crack down on drink discounts.

Announcing the plan on the opening day of the BMA's annual UK conference in Torquay, BMA Scotland chairman Dr Peter Terry said: "The death toll from alcohol misuse is completely unacceptable, and government must take action.

"More and more teenagers are drinking at an earlier age and we must do more to combat this trend. Increasing the price is one part of a strategy that can deter children from purchasing alcohol."

He added: "The BMA would also like to see more done in primary schools to educate children about the dangers of drink before they are drawn in by industry advertising.

"After smoking, alcohol is the next big public health priority, and I want ministers to work with doctors to end Scotland's drink problem."

Other demands made under the plan include ending sponsorship by alcohol producers of sporting and entertainment events for young people, and legislating for alcohol labelling instead of relying on voluntary agreements with the drinks industry.

More than eight out of 10 doctors believe that alcoholic drinks manufacturers should be forced to clearly label their products with the number of units of alcohol they contain.

Lastly BMA Scotland wants the drink-driving limit reduced from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, and the introduction of random breath testing in Scotland.

Earlier this month Mr MacAskill, the minister in charge of alcohol licensing, told The Herald that supermarkets and off-sales would be targeted in a bid to end Scotland's culture of binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.