Alcohol leader

There is no doubt that Scotland has problems with the over-consumption of alcohol. A stroll down the Grassmarket or on to George Street in the early hours of the morning will expose any unwitting visitor to hordes of lairy drunken men and women of all ages. But the latest measures introduced by the Scottish Government threaten to discriminate against the wrong people, and are likely to have at best a minor effect on anti-social drinking.

Pricing has the potential to be a central issue in tackling binge drinking, but the new measures introduced at the start of September only scratch the surface. 72 hour minimum pricing periods will mean the end of drinking excessively during happy hours, but will it spell the end to heavy drinking? Given the established and popular approach by the drinks industry to offer deals to punters during quiet periods, we will instead see a two-tier system where bars offer cheaper drinks during the week with prices increasing at the weekend. One bar ironically situated a short stagger from the Holyrood parliament building has already adopted this rationale, substituting its old Happy Hour with a wittily named Happy Days promotion.

Loopholes have been exploited easily and quickly, and there are already bars which offer drinks promotions on particular nights and to get round the legislation simply do not to sell those drinks included in these deals for the rest of the week whilst still complying with the new rules. The new system is far from focussed or comprehensive.

The law also seems to be failing to curb bargain prices on alcohol in supermarkets. Cider is still available from outlets for as little as 90 pence per litre, meaning that those who choose to stay at home and drink, ironically the demographic most likely to include underage drinkers, face no problems in acquiring cheap alcohol. In the words of Scotttish Licensed Traders Association Chief Executive Paul Waterson “"The main problem is that Supermarkets are pretty much giving alcohol away and most people are drinking at home."

The impact that the first reforms in the sale of alcohol in Scotland since the 1970's will have on students is questionable. Bars and clubs will continue to offer drinks at competitive prices so as to attract Edinburgh's 70,000 students. However, the end of many of the deals which students enjoy in the early evening after class- such as 2 for 1 offers- will disappear. Unfortunately, under the legislation, those who drink responsibly but cheaply will loose out.

There are important elements included in the legislation that should be welcomed. The moves to increase community involvement in the granting of licenses will mean increased control in those areas plaugued by anti-social behaviour, with easier public access to the Edinburgh licensing board regarding applications. This in turn should mean that local communities and council authorities work together to deal with problem venues.

Increased emphasis on training of bar staff to a set standard should also prove positive. 

In truth , the Scottish Government needs to do more if Scotland is to eradicate it’s undoubted alcohol problems. Whilst recognising it should be congratulated in focussing attention in this problem area at the same time it must be careful not to discriminate against those of us who just enjoy a good, cheap night out during our time at university. The solution won't be simple.