27.05.2010
The Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee agrees that the scale of the country’s alcohol problem is such that it must be addressed, according to a report published today.
In its Stage 1 report, the committee recognises the Scottish Government’s public health purpose behind the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill.
However, some members had fundamental reservations about key elements of the Bill. Nonetheless, the committee concluded that, in the interests of more detailed debate, the Bill should proceed to Stage 2 when further evidence can be considered.
Committee Convener Christine Grahame MSP said: “The committee conducted detailed scrutiny of all elements of the Bill.
"Although we could not reach a consensus on the proposal for minimum unit pricing and other aspects of the Bill, all members agreed that the scale of the alcohol problem in Scotland is such that it must be addressed.”