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Morays MSP, Richard Lochhead, has urged people to question their behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol in light of the emerging picture with alcohol consumption in Scotland.
The local MSP highlighted some of the latest statistics which points to an alarming situation emerging in Scotland. Figures recently published in show there has been a 3% increase in alcohol related deaths in Scotland. Add to this the fact that alcohol sales are now 23% higher in Scotland than in England and Wales.
With statistics in Moray having been amongst the worst in Scotland for many years the issue is particularly relevant to the local region. Moray Alcohol & Drug Partnership have stated that 1 in 20 people die of alcohol related illness while alcohol dependency is twice the national average.
At present alcohol consumption in Scotland is equivalent to every adult buying 7 bottles of spirits of pure alcohol a year than those in England. Scotland is experiencing one of the fastest growing rates of death from chronic liver disease in the world, predominantly due to alcohol abuse.
Speaking on the issue the SNPs Mr Lochhead said:
" The cost to society of alcohol dependency and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is completely unacceptable.
" Moray has twice the dependency rates of Scotland as a whole and it is utterly shocking that 1 in 20 people die of alcohol related illness.
" Police statistics make for very sobering reading. In nearly 60% of crimes the accused was either drunk or had been drinking and in nearly 9 out of 10 serious assaults the accused had been drinking.
" Any responsible government must address the most serious issues facing their nation and I am very pleased that the Scottish Government is steadfast in tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland.
" We have recently banned quantity discounts, restricted promotions in off-sales and we are pushing forward with plans to introduce minimum pricing to thwart low grade high strength alcohol sales.
" This legislation will not affect the prices of drinks enjoyed by moderate drinkers and shouldnt affect pubs which supply a quality product and remain a vital social and economic part of our communities.
" When people enjoy a social drink in a pub they are subject to social norms and the watchful eye of the landlord. This helps to curb over-consumption, whereas with binge drinking at home on low grade alcohol or by groups of people in public parks and street corners, there are no such restraints. The role of alcohol in Scottish culture needs to change and we all have our part to play."