15th June 2008
The minimum age for buying alcohol in shops or off-licences in Scotland is set to be raised from 18 to 21.
The move is being watched carefully by Whitehall. Similar innovations north of the border - including banning smoking in pubs and restaurants - have been copied in England and Wales.
There is growing concern about discount sales in supermarkets which encourage youngsters to get drunk on cheap booze before going out to pubs and clubs.
. . . . . . .
____________________________________________________________