3 SEPTEMBER 2008

Today Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond announced, despite an ongoing consultation on alcohol legislation, the Scottish Government would put forward legislation to raise the purchasing age to 21. The WSTA responded by calling on the Scottish Government to actually enforce current laws around alcohol.

Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the WSTA, said: "Today the Scottish Government demonstrated its refusal to listen to the Scottish people in pursuing its nonsensical policy of raising the purchasing age to 21. Instead of actually enforcing the laws available to tackle problems associated with alcohol misuse, the SNP has decided that headlines are more important than progress. It is by getting police out on the streets enforcing the law that we will make our communities safer."

Statistics reveal that few under-18s are being prosecuted for buying alcohol. In fact in Scotland in 2006/7 there were only 131 recorded offences for buying alcohol under age; but action was only taken against 7 of whom 2 were admonished and only 5 received a fine. In the same year there were only 13 recorded offences where the police confiscated alcohol from a person under the age of 18.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Established in 1824, the WSTA represents the whole of the wine and spirit supply chain including producers, importers, wholesalers, bottlers, warehouse keepers, logistics specialists, brand owners, licensed retailers and consultants.

With over 320 members the WSTA works to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol and to share best practice with the entire trade.

Statistics on purchasing alcohol from a Parliamentary Question answered on May 09, 2008 (No. S3W-12254)

Statistics on alcohol confiscation from the Scottish Liquor Licensing Statistics, 2007- (15 August 2008)

For more information please contact Gavin Partington 020 7089 3876