Further media comment calls for action on industry
Another forthright article has been published calling for the government to take action against the industry to ensure responsible retailing and promotion, following an increasing perception of the industries failed self regulation. John Harris wrote the article 'Brown must call time on the booze trade's lack of restraint' in this week's Guardian. It follows a number of high profile calls for the government to act earlier in the year following findings of widespread flouting of the voluntary code, as reported here.
Scotland plans further action on licensing regulations and under 21 restrictions
Scottish Justice Minister Kenny McAskill has announced that 'fit and proper' tests will be re-instated to allow police to comment on applications to become licensees, despite the forthcoming licensing act due to come in next year having scrapped this approach, reports the morning advertiser.
A number of reports in the media this week have again also reported the Scottish National Party (SNP) are planning legislation that would stop under 21s purchasing alcohol outside of pubs and bars. Highlighted in an article in the Guardian, Alex Salmon, Scotland's first minister said
"The practical evidence is that restriction, that protection of our young people actually helps reduce violent incidents, protects people and makes our streets safer and communities better."
For more information, we covered this back in June under the post Scotland proposes ban on under 21s purchasing alcohol. Media site inthenews also covered this story and earlier this year covered a story on alcohol misuse fuelling Scottish suicide rates. Scotland also has its alcohol strategy out for consultation.
British Transport Police calls for football fans to drink responsibly
British Transport Police (BTP) have called for fans 'not to over indulge in alcohol' following a continued rise in alcohol related problems railnews reports. In response to an eigth consecutive year of rising alcohol related incidents, a forum has been set up to bring together key rail industry groups, football leagues and associations and supporters associations to work through issues of concern. Police will also be working further on banning orders as well as options for enforcing the new alcohol 'ban' on the underground brought in by London Mayor Boris Johnson this year.
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