Lib Dems voice concerns over minimum alcohol pricing
March 9, 2009 9:58 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrats have voiced concerns over the Scottish Government's minimum alcohol pricing policy.
On a visit to Glen Grant Distillery in Moray, Alison McInnes MSP and Liam McArthur MSP warned that the Scottish Government's policy would threaten some of the 10,000 jobs that are directly employed in the Scottish Whisky industry.
Commenting, MSP for North East Scotland Alison McInnes said:
"The position of the Scottish National Party is threatening Scotland's national drink.
"The Scottish whisky industry is of huge importance to our economy. One in fifty of all Scottish jobs rely on the whisky industry and these jobs are being put at risk by this policy.
"With over 40 distilleries in Moray alone, SNP Members of Parliament at both Holyrood and Westminster will have to explain to their constituents why they are putting jobs and the reputation of our national drink at risk."
Liam McArthur MSP added:
"No one can dispute the size of the challenge that faces us in reversing Scotland's addiction to alcohol.
"But any approach to cutting alcohol consumption must be targeted. Initiatives that grab headlines but miss the real target only risk alienating the public and making effective progress more difficult to advance.
"The minimum alcohol pricing policy of the Scottish Government is likely to be illegal, and is certainly not the answer to tackling Scotland's drinking culture."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats