News and Press

SHAAP regrets decision made by Scottish Labour to oppose minimum pricing

26 Nov 2009

Dr Bruce Ritson expressed the public health community’s deep disappointment at the decision made by Scottish Labour to oppose the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol in Scotland. The decision taken by Labour is particularly disappointing in light of their public health record whilst in office when they led the way in the UK in introducing a ban on smoking in public places, a measure that has already saved Scottish lives. All the evidence suggests that minimum pricing for alcohol would have similar health benefits for Scotland. The damage caused to Scottish society by the widespread availability of cheap alcohol is clear to see. How much longer does Scotland have to wait before effective action is taken?

SHAAP will continue to campaign for the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol. We will urge politicians of all parties to cast a vote in favour of safeguarding lives and communities from the blight of harmful alcohol use when the legislation comes before parliament. It would be very regrettable if something as important as Scotland’s health became a party political issue.