Parties unite to attack planned raising of off-sales age limit
The SNP Government faces a three-party attack on its plans to raise the age limit to 21 for buying off-sales alcohol, as the opposition sides with a student campaign to keep the current limit at 18.
Labour yesterday joined Conservatives and LibDems in arguing the priority should be cracking down on retailers who break the law as it stands - with test purchasing showing it is a widespread problem but few licence holders taken to court or penalised through the licensing process.
Labour tabled plans that would mean mandatory bans for retailers selling drink to under 18s. The first offence would bring a three-month ban, and if it happened again, that would rise to six months. A third time offender would be deemed unfit to hold a licence, according to Pauline McNeill, Labour's justice spokeswoman.
"Labour has always taken a tough line on alcohol abuse," she said. "We believe that enforcement against those who are currently breaking the law must be central to any strategy."
Bill Aitken, the Tory justice spokesman, said the Labour stance would make the regime softer than it is already. He said it was "ridiculous" that offending retailers should be given as many as three chances.
For the LibDems, health spokesman Ross Finnie also attacked Labour for proposing the current law should be softened: "As long as the current laws are enforced, there is no need to raise the drinking age for off-sales to 21. Our young people are part of the solution to Scotland's lethal relationship with alcohol, not just part of the problem."
Recent evidence shows only 37 retailers had licences suspended for selling alcohol to under-18s over four recent years. Last year, 83 adults were prosecuted for supplying children with alcohol.
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Posted by: Duns Scotus, Berwick on 10:10pm Wed 25 Jun 08
[quote]For the LibDems, health spokesman Ross Finnie also attacked Labour for proposing the current law should be softened: "As long as the current laws are enforced, there is no need to raise the drinking age for off-sales to 21. Our young people are part of the solution to Scotland's lethal relationship with alcohol, not just part of the problem."[/quote]
Where does Mr Finnie live? Does he look around him? Under 15s are openly bevvying. Open your eyes Finnie!
Something has to be done. Stop whipping up fake "student rage".
For the LibDems, health spokesman Ross Finnie also attacked Labour for proposing the current law should be softened: "As long as the current laws are enforced, there is no need to raise the drinking age for off-sales to 21. Our young people are part of the solution to Scotland's lethal relationship with alcohol, not just part of the problem."
Where does Mr Finnie live? Does he look around him? Under 15s are openly bevvying. Open your eyes Finnie!
Something has to be done. Stop whipping up fake "student rage".
Posted by: subrosa on 10:14pm Wed 25 Jun 08
The licensing laws should be amended and all pubs and clubs closed at a reasonable time. Oh I know it's not fashionable - we want to be like Europe and have a drink at 1am but we're not Europe and don't have the mentality of most Europeans where alcohol is concerned. Anyway, who needs a drink at 1am? Clubs can still be clubs without young people pouring drink down their throats after midnight.
The licensing laws should be amended and all pubs and clubs closed at a reasonable time. Oh I know it's not fashionable - we want to be like Europe and have a drink at 1am but we're not Europe and don't have the mentality of most Europeans where alcohol is concerned. Anyway, who needs a drink at 1am? Clubs can still be clubs without young people pouring drink down their throats after midnight.
Posted by: scappaflow, RoS on 10:53pm Wed 25 Jun 08
Although an SNP supporter, I'm glad they seem to be meeting a robust opposition on this.
There is no point making a law more severe when it is clear the current law cannot be effectively enforced. It's almost like saying, we can't police this so by making it stricter, those who break the law won't be as illegal as the kids and retailers currently breaking it.
Fair play for taking action, but I am not convinced this was a good initiative from the Nats the other week.
Although an SNP supporter, I'm glad they seem to be meeting a robust opposition on this.
There is no point making a law more severe when it is clear the current law cannot be effectively enforced. It's almost like saying, we can't police this so by making it stricter, those who break the law won't be as illegal as the kids and retailers currently breaking it.
Fair play for taking action, but I am not convinced this was a good initiative from the Nats the other week.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 11:15pm Wed 25 Jun 08
I suspected Labour would flip flop for the student vote, they are desparate for anybody to like them right now......
I have no problem with the opposition parties position on this but the SNP should put the 21yo issue to a vote in parliament
The other parties must be made to [bold]take responsibility[/bold] if they want to vote down the 21 yo proposal and underage drinking continues to be an acute problem in Scotland.....
Tougher licensing laws are on the way, they are just bedding in now.
That's obvious but also in the gift of local council licensing boards.
It's all fine and well for Pauline McNeill ranting about [italic]tougher action[/italic] (yes Pauline we heard it for 8 years and saw no action)
It has been her own Labour led councils in and around Glasgow that have the worst underage drinking problems due to slack enforcement by the very same councils on off sales and underage drinking.
Labour & the Liberals must answer for this.
I suspected Labour would flip flop for the student vote, they are desparate for anybody to like them right now......
I have no problem with the opposition parties position on this but the SNP should put the 21yo issue to a vote in parliament
The other parties must be made to
take responsibility if they want to vote down the 21 yo proposal and underage drinking continues to be an acute problem in Scotland.....
Tougher licensing laws are on the way, they are just bedding in now.
That's obvious but also in the gift of local council licensing boards.
It's all fine and well for Pauline McNeill ranting about
tougher action (yes Pauline we heard it for 8 years and saw no action)
It has been her own Labour led councils in and around Glasgow that have the worst underage drinking problems due to slack enforcement by the very same councils on off sales and underage drinking.
Labour & the Liberals must answer for this.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 11:16pm Wed 25 Jun 08
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states?
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states?
Posted by: Morag, Peeblesshire on 11:50pm Wed 25 Jun 08
[quote][bold]Wardog[/bold] wrote:
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states? [/quote] I think that would be a difficult one to get airborne, Wardog. Just as we aren't France, we're not the USA either.
However, I can't for the life of me see what the drawback is to the off-sales proposal. It seems to me like a good way to introduce young people to alcohol in a gradual, controlled manner. Allow drinking in supervised, social settings like pubs and restaurants first, before allowing them free rein with the stock at the off-licence.
Why all the bleating about students? I thought the student idea of heaven was to go down the pub. If they're demanding the right to cart litres of vodka back to their digs, then why defend them?
Wardog wrote:
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states?
I think that would be a difficult one to get airborne, Wardog. Just as we aren't France, we're not the USA either.
However, I can't for the life of me see what the drawback is to the off-sales proposal. It seems to me like a good way to introduce young people to alcohol in a gradual, controlled manner. Allow drinking in supervised, social settings like pubs and restaurants first, before allowing them free rein with the stock at the off-licence.
Why all the bleating about students? I thought the student idea of heaven was to go down the pub. If they're demanding the right to cart litres of vodka back to their digs, then why defend them?
Posted by: democrate, central Scotland on 12:06am Thu 26 Jun 08
makes you wonder why students are whining about their income constraints if they have the spare dough to drink!
makes you wonder why students are whining about their income constraints if they have the spare dough to drink!
Posted by: britfree, camelon on 12:24am Thu 26 Jun 08
" difficult questions are the ones that most need answering " ,it says here in my little book of wise stuff , bravery is often not enough . where i live they start before dinnertime ,some are so young , like baby birds .
" difficult questions are the ones that most need answering " ,it says here in my little book of wise stuff , bravery is often not enough . where i live they start before dinnertime ,some are so young , like baby birds .
Posted by: juankerr, Scotland on 1:01am Thu 26 Jun 08
I see the Tories, New LAbour and Lib Dems have no shame in thwarting issues to help our youth.
I watched a 24 year old young girl die tonight of liver scirosis on channel 4 news.
Too many, Too young.
Shame on them.
FFS I sound Like alky.
I see the Tories, New LAbour and Lib Dems have no shame in thwarting issues to help our youth.
I watched a 24 year old young girl die tonight of liver scirosis on channel 4 news.
Too many, Too young.
Shame on them.
FFS I sound Like alky.
Posted by: juankerr, Scotland on 1:03am Thu 26 Jun 08
I reccomend they all go and watch the article on channel 4 news.
channel4.com
Then rethink their decision.
This girl did not drink in pubs. She drank 5 litres of cheap wine a day. All bought from off licences and grocers.
I reccomend they all go and watch the article on channel 4 news.
channel4.com
Then rethink their decision.
This girl did not drink in pubs. She drank 5 litres of cheap wine a day. All bought from off licences and grocers.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 1:55am Thu 26 Jun 08
[quote][bold]Morag[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Wardog[/bold] wrote:
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states? [/quote] I think that would be a difficult one to get airborne, Wardog. Just as we aren't France, we're not the USA either.
However, I can't for the life of me see what the drawback is to the off-sales proposal. It seems to me like a good way to introduce young people to alcohol in a gradual, controlled manner. Allow drinking in supervised, social settings like pubs and restaurants first, before allowing them free rein with the stock at the off-licence.
Why all the bleating about students? I thought the student idea of heaven was to go down the pub. If they're demanding the right to cart litres of vodka back to their digs, then why defend them?
[/quote]
Agreed Morag
it isn't just young people drinking 'now', your absolutely right in saying it's about a cultural thing.
Not leanring to drink by stealing booze from yer dad's drinks cabinet to drink down the local playpark but actually taking part in a socail gathering or your peers and older generations where it is supervised and the licensee has a lot more to lose than the typical corner shop owner......
I find Labour and the Liberals lack of support for the 21 yo ban very short sighted indeed, lacking back bone to deal with Scotland's drink culture for the promise of a few student votes.....
Like I say, the SNP should still bring it to parliament and let these charlatans put their names to the 'no' vote - we can all point the finger in years to come where Messr's Finne and McNeil let done future generations of Scots.
Morag wrote:
Wardog wrote:
What are people's thoughts on an across the board under 21 drinking ban, in or out of bars, like the states?
I think that would be a difficult one to get airborne, Wardog. Just as we aren't France, we're not the USA either.
However, I can't for the life of me see what the drawback is to the off-sales proposal. It seems to me like a good way to introduce young people to alcohol in a gradual, controlled manner. Allow drinking in supervised, social settings like pubs and restaurants first, before allowing them free rein with the stock at the off-licence.
Why all the bleating about students? I thought the student idea of heaven was to go down the pub. If they're demanding the right to cart litres of vodka back to their digs, then why defend them?
Agreed Morag
it isn't just young people drinking 'now', your absolutely right in saying it's about a cultural thing.
Not leanring to drink by stealing booze from yer dad's drinks cabinet to drink down the local playpark but actually taking part in a socail gathering or your peers and older generations where it is supervised and the licensee has a lot more to lose than the typical corner shop owner......
I find Labour and the Liberals lack of support for the 21 yo ban very short sighted indeed, lacking back bone to deal with Scotland's drink culture for the promise of a few student votes.....
Like I say, the SNP should still bring it to parliament and let these charlatans put their names to the 'no' vote - we can all point the finger in years to come where Messr's Finne and McNeil let done future generations of Scots.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:00am Thu 26 Jun 08
I think the SNP got suckered on this one. I'm amazed the tories are against it though. This tells me It's more about coordination between the unionist parties in attacking the SNP. We'll probably see more of this in the near future.
As to the legislation - Kenny must have been pished when he thought this one up.
I think the SNP got suckered on this one. I'm amazed the tories are against it though. This tells me It's more about coordination between the unionist parties in attacking the SNP. We'll probably see more of this in the near future.
As to the legislation - Kenny must have been pished when he thought this one up.
Posted by: awh, Dumfries on 7:55am Thu 26 Jun 08
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 8:06am Thu 26 Jun 08
[quote][bold]awh[/bold] wrote:
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.[/quote] Most of what other proposals? Probably illegal? Have you been havin a wee bevy?
awh wrote:
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.
Most of what other proposals? Probably illegal? Have you been havin a wee bevy?
Posted by: willie46, fife on 9:13am Thu 26 Jun 08
The Coop Society already has a 21 rule in place. I haven't seen many student protests outside our local branch.
The Coop Society already has a 21 rule in place. I haven't seen many student protests outside our local branch.
Posted by: Politically-incorrec
t Man, Glasgow on 9:33am Thu 26 Jun 08
Why do politicians rush to pass new legislation?
The legislation already exists to prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors and to control public drunkenness.
What we need is the current legislation to be applied with vigour not a new act that will be treated with the same disdain as the current legislation.
Why do politicians rush to pass new legislation?
The legislation already exists to prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors and to control public drunkenness.
What we need is the current legislation to be applied with vigour not a new act that will be treated with the same disdain as the current legislation.
Posted by: Ian, Dalbeattie on 9:51am Thu 26 Jun 08
Politically-incorrec
t man,glasgow,
I was just about to say the very same thing.
I do not know of any shopkeeper losing his license for selling to under age drinkers,although the powers are already there to do so.
Also,is it right that eighteen year olds are sent to fight overseas but they would not be allowed to buy a drink ?
Politically-incorrec
t man,glasgow,
I was just about to say the very same thing.
I do not know of any shopkeeper losing his license for selling to under age drinkers,although the powers are already there to do so.
Also,is it right that eighteen year olds are sent to fight overseas but they would not be allowed to buy a drink ?
Posted by: spagan, heisker, scotland on 9:52am Thu 26 Jun 08
I think they SNP should be laid back and chilled out about this one. It was a reasonable proposal, but if the majority don't want it, then its nothing to lose sleep over.
However, we do need to treat alcohol with more respect - as a drug - that most people enjoy - but many at times overindulge.
We already have some good laws that simply need to be strictly enforced. In Canada, they have well-controlled, state-licensed liquor stores - and although supermarkets and others will squeal, I do think its a route worth going down.
Inside pubs and clubs, it is an offence to sell booze to someone who is already drunk. If this was successfully prosecuted onlya few times, then licencees would get the message.
Slainte Mhor
I think they SNP should be laid back and chilled out about this one. It was a reasonable proposal, but if the majority don't want it, then its nothing to lose sleep over.
However, we do need to treat alcohol with more respect - as a drug - that most people enjoy - but many at times overindulge.
We already have some good laws that simply need to be strictly enforced. In Canada, they have well-controlled, state-licensed liquor stores - and although supermarkets and others will squeal, I do think its a route worth going down.
Inside pubs and clubs, it is an offence to sell booze to someone who is already drunk. If this was successfully prosecuted onlya few times, then licencees would get the message.
Slainte Mhor
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 10:07am Thu 26 Jun 08
[quote][bold]awh[/bold] wrote:
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.[/quote]
Labour
Soft on Anti-Social Issue
Non-Existent in tackling Scotland's Drinking Problems......
And what does awh see, some sick political party points.
Oh Dear.
A bit pathetic really...
awh wrote:
Hurray, at last some sense and coordination from the opposition these plans like most of the other proposals were badly thought out and probably illegal.
Back to the drawing board kenny.
Labour
Soft on Anti-Social Issue
Non-Existent in tackling Scotland's Drinking Problems......
And what does awh see, some sick political party points.
Oh Dear.
A bit pathetic really...
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 10:09am Thu 26 Jun 08
[quote][bold]willie46[/bold] wrote:
The Coop Society already has a 21 rule in place. I haven't seen many student protests outside our local branch.[/quote]
Good Point.
Finnie etc are playing for cheap political points at the expense of future generations.
Well, let's force them to vote this down, they must take responsibility for allowing the coming drink crisis to occur, just like they did when in power.
willie46 wrote:
The Coop Society already has a 21 rule in place. I haven't seen many student protests outside our local branch.
Good Point.
Finnie etc are playing for cheap political points at the expense of future generations.
Well, let's force them to vote this down, they must take responsibility for allowing the coming drink crisis to occur, just like they did when in power.
Posted by: Morag, Peeblesshire on 10:13am Thu 26 Jun 08
I heard a corner shop owner on Good Morning Scotland remark that "adults" were buying the alcohol for the underage drinkers. I think this is precisely the point.
I'd take a fair bet that the "adults" currently doing most of the purchasing for the under-18s are themselves in the 18 to 20 age group. Ban these idiots from purchasing alcohol in off-licences, and the whole boiling of them are going to have to find accomplices who are over 21. This may be significantly more difficult.
I heard a corner shop owner on Good Morning Scotland remark that "adults" were buying the alcohol for the underage drinkers. I think this is precisely the point.
I'd take a fair bet that the "adults" currently doing most of the purchasing for the under-18s are themselves in the 18 to 20 age group. Ban these idiots from purchasing alcohol in off-licences, and the whole boiling of them are going to have to find accomplices who are over 21. This may be significantly more difficult.
Posted by: GML, right here on 10:14am Thu 26 Jun 08
It is a point well made that the Co-op amongst other retailers operates a 21 policy for alcohol sales, and I haven't seen any student boycotts or mass protests breaking out over that.
As for Ross Finnie, I believe he comes from Inverclyde. That's the Inverclyde that has got Greenock and Port Glasgow in it? And he is opposed to increased restrictions on teenagers buying carry-out alcohol??? Maybe he lives in a parallel universe Inverclyde.
It is a point well made that the Co-op amongst other retailers operates a 21 policy for alcohol sales, and I haven't seen any student boycotts or mass protests breaking out over that.
As for Ross Finnie, I believe he comes from Inverclyde. That's the Inverclyde that has got Greenock and Port Glasgow in it? And he is opposed to increased restrictions on teenagers buying carry-out alcohol??? Maybe he lives in a parallel universe Inverclyde.
Posted by: Liz, Glasgow on 11:10am Thu 26 Jun 08
Found this today.
NewspapersFraser Bound for the BBC
26/06/2008
The Scottish political editor at The Herald is leaving for a senior post at BBC Scotland.
Douglas Fraser is the latest to be leaving the paper, following his appointment as business and economics editor at BBC Scotland.
The news follows yesterday's reporting in allmediascotland that the paper's award-winning reporter, David Leask, was bound for Scotland on Sunday.
It doesn't stop there. Also this week, it was announced that news sub-editor, Chris Graham, is off to the South China Morning Post.
In a memo staff, editor, Charles McGhee, announced the moves "with great regret".
Found this today.
NewspapersFraser Bound for the BBC
26/06/2008
The Scottish political editor at The Herald is leaving for a senior post at BBC Scotland.
Douglas Fraser is the latest to be leaving the paper, following his appointment as business and economics editor at BBC Scotland.
The news follows yesterday's reporting in allmediascotland that the paper's award-winning reporter, David Leask, was bound for Scotland on Sunday.
It doesn't stop there. Also this week, it was announced that news sub-editor, Chris Graham, is off to the South China Morning Post.
In a memo staff, editor, Charles McGhee, announced the moves "with great regret".
Posted by: DaveK, Glasgow on 11:17am Thu 26 Jun 08
I agree with Morag that much of the buying of alcohol takes place by adults. Many retailers are simply turning a blind eye. On more than one occasion I have been approached by youths outside licenced grocers asking me to purchase alcohol on their behalf. This often takes place in full view of the shopkeeper and well within earshot of same. On one occasion in particular after refusing to purchase alcohol for a young man, I saw and heard quite clearly another individual being asked the same question. This actually took place in the doorway of the shop and could not have gone unnoticed by the shopkeeper who was standing directly in front of me. Money changed hands between the youth and his agent in full view of the retailer. The subsequent purchase took place without an eyebrow being raised.
Until there is a realistic deterrent to the retailers, namely immediate and permanent withdrawal of licences to sell alcohol, this practice will continue and raising the age will have no effect.
I agree with Morag that much of the buying of alcohol takes place by adults. Many retailers are simply turning a blind eye. On more than one occasion I have been approached by youths outside licenced grocers asking me to purchase alcohol on their behalf. This often takes place in full view of the shopkeeper and well within earshot of same. On one occasion in particular after refusing to purchase alcohol for a young man, I saw and heard quite clearly another individual being asked the same question. This actually took place in the doorway of the shop and could not have gone unnoticed by the shopkeeper who was standing directly in front of me. Money changed hands between the youth and his agent in full view of the retailer. The subsequent purchase took place without an eyebrow being raised.
Until there is a realistic deterrent to the retailers, namely immediate and permanent withdrawal of licences to sell alcohol, this practice will continue and raising the age will have no effect.
Posted by: awh, Dumfries on 12:37pm Thu 26 Jun 08
Ill thought out and likely to legal challenge SNP proposals part one- the alcohol rules already the retailers have served notice they would challenge via the courts. The LIT is illegal under EU law and would also be subject to legal challenge (it is not set, collected or distributed locally). The replacement for PPI also doesn't appear to be legal either. These are all flagship policies which have been very badly thought out. And Scotland will suffer from their failure.
Ill thought out and likely to legal challenge SNP proposals part one- the alcohol rules already the retailers have served notice they would challenge via the courts. The LIT is illegal under EU law and would also be subject to legal challenge (it is not set, collected or distributed locally). The replacement for PPI also doesn't appear to be legal either. These are all flagship policies which have been very badly thought out. And Scotland will suffer from their failure.
Posted by: spagan, heisker, scotland on 1:11pm Thu 26 Jun 08
awh
Sometimes the law is an **** as Dickens wrote.
I though our Government was in place as a legislature to work for the best interests of Scotland.
The Council Tax needs to be replaced by something more progressive. And Audit Scotland or Professor Allyson Pollock will tell you what's wrong with Gordon Brown's PPP.
Slainte MHor
awh
Sometimes the law is an **** as Dickens wrote.
I though our Government was in place as a legislature to work for the best interests of Scotland.
The Council Tax needs to be replaced by something more progressive. And Audit Scotland or Professor Allyson Pollock will tell you what's wrong with Gordon Brown's PPP.
Slainte MHor
Posted by: Observer, Glasgow on 1:34pm Thu 26 Jun 08
I don't agree with the SNP on this one. It is ridiculous to penalise all under 21s for the behaviour of a few. The principle is wrong.
I don't agree with the SNP on this one. It is ridiculous to penalise all under 21s for the behaviour of a few. The principle is wrong.
Posted by: Jwil, Lanarkshire on 1:56pm Thu 26 Jun 08
Again the opposition take up a selfish position which is only of benefit to them and ignores the problems of Scotland which the SNO government are trying to deal with.
Nicol Stephen today trying to take advantage of the deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe to score a cheap point over the SNP. Have the Liberals no decency, no moral authority? Apparently not.
Again the opposition take up a selfish position which is only of benefit to them and ignores the problems of Scotland which the SNO government are trying to deal with.
Nicol Stephen today trying to take advantage of the deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe to score a cheap point over the SNP. Have the Liberals no decency, no moral authority? Apparently not.
Posted by: Jwil, Lanarkshire on 1:57pm Thu 26 Jun 08
That should have been SNP government.
That should have been SNP government.
Posted by: Duns Scotus, Berwick on 2:13pm Thu 26 Jun 08
[bold]From EBC Scotland website:[/bold]
Meanwhile, Ms Alexander was unable to fully take part in first minister's question time at Holyrood after losing her voice.
Her deputy Cathy Jamieson stepped in.
One talks mince, the other gets hers from Lidl.
From EBC Scotland website:
Meanwhile, Ms Alexander was unable to fully take part in first minister's question time at Holyrood after losing her voice.
Her deputy Cathy Jamieson stepped in.
One talks mince, the other gets hers from Lidl.
Posted by: Macthickey, Irvine on 3:18pm Thu 26 Jun 08
Nicol Stephen as usual talked mince in ' statements' at FMQ.
Bringing Mugabe into a Question about Nukes in Scotland was so so
inept . You didnt say whether you and the Lib party were for Nukes in
Scotland or not ?
Nicol Stephen as usual talked mince in ' statements' at FMQ.
Bringing Mugabe into a Question about Nukes in Scotland was so so
inept . You didnt say whether you and the Lib party were for Nukes in
Scotland or not ?
Posted by: willie mac, Arden on 3:38pm Thu 26 Jun 08
If the all of the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament combine to reject the SNP's proposals for tougher anti drink laws then we should look behind their reasons to do so.
Alcohol abuse is most certainly a scourge on our society as it wreaks ill health, crime, and familly despair. The situation with alcohol has got worse over recent years and it is now clear that alcohol is cheaper than it has ever been.
Indeed, a bottle of cheap cider with as much alcohol as a bottle of whisky can be bought for a couple of pounds, and there is no doubt that cheap alcohol helps fuel many of the alcohol troubles that we have today.
However, the opposition parties rejection are probably predicated on a number of key points
1) Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberals probably have a unionist aversion to the Scottish Government rasing the price of cheap alcohol. To them this proposal has to be rejected on ideological grounds that the Scottish Parliement couldn't possibly take such a step
2) Labour are most probably mandated by big business to do nothing to restrict the deluge of cheep booze sales in our country.
3) Labour do not want any initiative implemented that would highlight their years of failure as they allowed the booze epedemic to mushroom.
I think this opposition shows the real contemp that they have for the health and well being of our society.
( and remember the Mafia mobsters flourished by bribing bent politicians during prohibition in the USA)
If the all of the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament combine to reject the SNP's proposals for tougher anti drink laws then we should look behind their reasons to do so.
Alcohol abuse is most certainly a scourge on our society as it wreaks ill health, crime, and familly despair. The situation with alcohol has got worse over recent years and it is now clear that alcohol is cheaper than it has ever been.
Indeed, a bottle of cheap cider with as much alcohol as a bottle of whisky can be bought for a couple of pounds, and there is no doubt that cheap alcohol helps fuel many of the alcohol troubles that we have today.
However, the opposition parties rejection are probably predicated on a number of key points
1) Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberals probably have a unionist aversion to the Scottish Government rasing the price of cheap alcohol. To them this proposal has to be rejected on ideological grounds that the Scottish Parliement couldn't possibly take such a step
2) Labour are most probably mandated by big business to do nothing to restrict the deluge of cheep booze sales in our country.
3) Labour do not want any initiative implemented that would highlight their years of failure as they allowed the booze epedemic to mushroom.
I think this opposition shows the real contemp that they have for the health and well being of our society.
( and remember the Mafia mobsters flourished by bribing bent politicians during prohibition in the USA)
Posted by: george alexander, north lanarkshire on 5:10pm Thu 26 Jun 08
I haven't listened to FMQ's for some time but did so today.
Labour are truly awfull, that's all you can really say.
Nicol Sephen was particurly inept, very poor, I didn't really understand what point he was trying to make.
When asking his second question he appeared to let the fact that Salmond had bettered him on the first and the bitterness was palpable in his voice.
I haven't listened to FMQ's for some time but did so today.
Labour are truly awfull, that's all you can really say.
Nicol Sephen was particurly inept, very poor, I didn't really understand what point he was trying to make.
When asking his second question he appeared to let the fact that Salmond had bettered him on the first and the bitterness was palpable in his voice.
Posted by: awh, Dumfries on 5:19pm Thu 26 Jun 08
When the current laws on alcohol sales aren't enforced how does attempting to criminalise a new category of people help Scotlands alcohol problems. This initiative will not help Scotlands drink problem - especially as Holyrood seems to be full of drinkers I doubt if Alec takes his governments advice about food, exercise drink or any other kind of intake. It would be nice to seem waddle around for a while.
When the current laws on alcohol sales aren't enforced how does attempting to criminalise a new category of people help Scotlands alcohol problems. This initiative will not help Scotlands drink problem - especially as Holyrood seems to be full of drinkers I doubt if Alec takes his governments advice about food, exercise drink or any other kind of intake. It would be nice to seem waddle around for a while.
Posted by: The Wise One, Glasgow on 5:42pm Thu 26 Jun 08
Why don't the SNP stick to their manifesto pledges, such as £2000 grants to first time home buyers, instead of trying to turn this country into an advert for the Wee Free Church.
Does anyone know if Kenny McAskill has become a member?
Why don't the SNP stick to their manifesto pledges, such as £2000 grants to first time home buyers, instead of trying to turn this country into an advert for the Wee Free Church.
Does anyone know if Kenny McAskill has become a member?
Posted by: Rock Lobster, North o the Tay on 8:58pm Thu 26 Jun 08
Unionist unite, should be the headline, not parties.
Unionist unite, should be the headline, not parties.
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