Published: Wednesday, 3rd September, 2008 12:30
Join the debate on the misuse of alcohol
By Kevin McRoberts
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PEOPLE in Clackmannanshire are being urged to share their views on proposals to tackle alcohol misuse.
A Scottish Government consultation – which uncludes proposals to set a minimum price for a unit of alcohol, end irresponsible promotions, raise the off-sales alcohol purchase age to 21 and impose social responsibility fee for some retailers – is due to end on Tuesday.
The aim is to tackle the many drink-related problems which blight Scotland – with Forth Valley being no different to the rest of the country, with some appalling statistics highlighting the need for action:
• 1200 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Forth Valley in 2006/07
• 99 alcohol-related deaths in Forth Valley in 2005.
• The female alcohol-related death rate increasing by 18 per cent.
• 687 cases of drunk driving recorded in the Central police force area in 2006/07.
• 59 per cent of 13-year-olds and 86 per cent of 15-year-olds reporting that they had had an alcoholic drink
• 34 per cent of 15-year-olds and 16 per cent of 13-year-olds reporting they had drunk alcohol in the last week.
• 14 per cent of 13 and 15-year-olds who had had a drink reported being drunk more than 10 times.
Fiona Mackenzie, chief executive NHS Forth Valley, said, “I very much welcome measures being considered by the Scottish Government to tackle the country’s alcohol problem.
“Although most Scots drink sensibly, there can be no doubt that excess drinking is on the increase, especially amongst young people.
“We often see the results of this at our accident and emergency departments with people being admitted with acute intoxication.
“However the problems of alcohol abuse are much wider, and can lead not only to violent behaviour but have a serious impact on health.”
Chief Superintendent Gordon Samson, of Central Scotland Police, said the force was continued to work to reduce the impact of the problems caused by people consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
He said, “We work very closely with our local communities in dealing with the issues surrounding alcohol-related crime. We regularly carry our test-purchasing and covert operations on licensed premises.”
Following the end of the consultation period, the Scottish Government says it will seek to build consensus across the political spectrum and wider society as it finalises its policy approach.
Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, said, “Our proposals for getting to grips with alcohol misuse have sparked a lively debate across Scottish society.
“It is clear that many people are very concerned about the heavy toll rapidly-rising alcohol consumption is taking on our country.
“We believe it is time for action, but we want the Scottish people to understand where we are coming from and tell us what they think. That’s why I want to encourage people in Central Scotland to respond to the consultation before it closes on 9 September.”
• Details of the consultation are available online at the website www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/16084348/0
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