SNP ALCOHOL PLANS LET DOWN STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE-FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Mon 2nd Mar 2009

SNP ALCOHOL PLANS LET DOWN STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE-FINNIE

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has condemned the SNP alcohol plans for letting down students and young people in Argyll and Bute.

SNP ministers backed down from raising the age buying drink from off sales to 21, but will create powers for that to be imposed on a local basis. Local chief constables will also be able to request such a move.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"Liberal Democrats campaigned hard against the SNP's plan to raise the legal age for drinking alcohol.

"We believe that it stigmatises an entire generation of young people as irresponsible drinkers.

"The Government is wrong to think that it can avoid responsibility for this ludicrous plan by shunting it to local authorities.

"Why is it that this Government dumps the promises that really matter to Argyll and Bute students and young people at the drop of a hat, but clings on to plans that demonise them all as irresponsible drinkers?"

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