Cheap alcohol promotions to be banned in Scotland

Cut-price and free alcohol offers in Scottish shops are to be made illegal in a bid to tackle the nation's "destructive" drinking culture. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said licensing laws would be extended to outlaw drink promotions in corner shops, supermarkets and other stores. Alcohol-related illness kills six people in Scotland every day.

Mr MacAskill said the perception of "drinking to get drunk" should no longer be seen as acceptable. Under the measures, which have come at the start of a long-term drive, shops will also be required to have separate alcohol display areas - a move which will come into effect in 2009.

It is hoped the other restrictions can be brought in early next year. As well as trying to ban promotions such as buy-two-get-one-free deals, ministers are also taking legal advice on how to end the practice of "deep-discounting", where shops sell alcohol at an artificially low price.  BBC News

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