Scott opposes raising alcohol purchase age

10.09.29am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Sep 2008

Tavish Scott, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland joined with student representatives and students in Edinburgh to campaign against the SNP’s flawed proposals to raise the purchase age for alcohol to 21.

Mr Scott met with the President of NUS Scotland, the President of Edinburgh University Student’s Association and the Coordinator of the Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland (CARDAS).

Commenting, Mr Scott said:

“Under the SNP’s plans, an 18 year old student would no longer be able to buy a bottle of wine to add some flavour to spaghetti bolognaise, that perennial student favourite. A 19 year old student wouldn’t be able to buy a six pack of beer to take to a flat party. A 20 year old student wouldn’t be able to buy a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate graduating.

“Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign against these plans, which unfairly demonise all under-21s as irresponsible drinkers.”