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New Scottish Alcohol Bill passes first key vote

The Scottish Government's plans to tackle alcohol-related violence and health problems in the country has seen the Scottish Alcohol Bill pass its first parliamentary hurdle.

This was not without incident though as although MSPs voted for the principles of the Bill, an amendment was passed calling on the Government to ditch section one, which contains the minimum pricing proposal, when it comes before MSPs at stage two.

All parties have supported a number of key measures in the Bill which include:

• Further bans on irresponsible promotions and restricting marketing activity in off-sales locations such as supermarkets

• Placing a duty on Licensing Boards to consider raising the purchase age of alcohol to 21 in all or part of their area

• Establishing the power to introduce a Social Responsibility Fee for some retailers

• Tighter proof of age rules

In relation to minimum pricing the opposition parties argued that it was probably illegal under EU Competition law to set a minimum price per unit of alcohol. Further, ministers have yet to name their preferred minimum price for each unit of alcohol within a drink.

The proposal for minimum pricing has also sparked anger from parties who argue that responsible drinkers are yet again being punished which has led to calls for the specific targeting of cheap "problem drinks", such as fortified wine and strong cider.

Research carried out by York University has revealed alcohol misuse in Scotland is costing taxpayers between £2.4 bn and nearly £5bn a year - a minimum of £500 for every adult.