MSP urging people to check drinking habits
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MSP Richard Lochhead has urged people in Moray to take a close look at their drinking habits.
He said there is an alarming problem emerging in Scotland - and Moray in particular.
One in 20 people die of alcohol-related illness while alcohol dependency is twice the national average, according to Moray Alcohol & Drug Partnership
Figures also recently published show there has been a 3% increase in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland, where alcohol sales are now 23% higher than in England and Wales.
Scotland is also experiencing one of the fastest growing rates of death from chronic liver disease in the world, predominantly due to alcohol abuse.
Mr Lochhead, MSP for Moray, said: "The cost to society of alcohol dependency and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is completely unacceptable.
"Moray has twice the dependency rates of Scotland as a whole and it is utterly shocking that one in 20 people die of alcohol-related illness.
"Police statistics make for very sobering reading. In nearly 60% of crimes the accused was either drunk or had been drinking and in nearly nine out of ten serious assaults the accused had been drinking.
"Any responsible government must address the most serious issues facing their nation and I am very pleased that the Scottish Government is steadfast in tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland.
"We have recently banned quantity discounts, restricted promotions in off-sales and we are pushing forward with plans to introduce minimum pricing to thwart low grade high strength alcohol sales.
"This legislation will not affect the prices of drinks enjoyed by moderate drinkers and shouldn’t affect pubs which supply a quality product and remain a vital social and economic part of our communities.
"When people enjoy a social drink in a pub they are subject to social norms and the watchful eye of the landlord. This helps to curb over-consumption, whereas with binge drinking at home on low-grade alcohol or by groups of people in public parks and street corners, there are no such restraints. The role of alcohol in Scottish culture needs to change and we all have our part to play."
