Ban on selling alcohol to under-21s sparks crime row By Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor
08 Sep 2008
A major row has erupted over claims by SNP ministers that a pilot scheme banning the sale of alcohol to under-21s resulted in a sharp drop in crime and antisocial behaviour.
The Scottish Executive hailed the results of the trial, which it said led to the number of serious assaults and breaches of the peace plummeting.
But opposition parties denounced the claims as "propaganda" after it emerged that, at the same time as the pilot, police had used their existing powers to launch a major crackdown on retailers selling alcohol to underage children.
The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that the Executive is facing a growing public backlash against its draconian plans to tackle Scotland's alcohol problem, a consultation on which shuts today.
Among the other proposals are introducing a minimum price of 35p per unit, to increase the cost of cheap lager and cider, banning promotions and installing alcohol-only checkouts, thereby forcing shoppers to queue twice.
However, one of the most controversial elements is banning under-21s from buying alcohol from shops and supermarkets, although allowing over-18s to continue drinking in pubs.
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