Changing Scotland's relationship with alcohol

This Framework, published by the Scottish Government on 4 March, sets out the government's strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland. It explains the need for action in order to help deliver Government's Purpose and outlines how they intend to take forward the proposals contained in the discussion paper "Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol" following the outcome of the public consultation in 2008, a summary of which is contained in Annex A to this document.

Each section of the Framework outlines actions already underway, existing and new commitments. Proposals include:
* bring forward regulations to end irresponsible promotions and below-cost selling of alcoholic drinks in licensed premises (paras 31-35);
* pursue the establishment of a minimum price per unit of alcohol through regulation (paras 36-44);
* review advice to parents and carers (paras 49-50);
* place a duty on Licensing Boards to consider raising the age for off-sales purchases to 21 in part or all of their Board area and provide powers for Chief Constables and Licensing Forum to request a review of their local Board's policy (paras 51-55);
* establish a legislative power to apply a social responsibility fee on some alcohol retailers (paras 56-59);
* bring forward regulations to restrict the use of marketing material or activity on licensed premises (paras 94-101).