A call for evidence on the Bill was launched by the committee after the Bill was introduced to the Parliament by the Scottish Government.
Committee convener, Christine Grahame MSP said: “This Bill aims to address the serious public health issues surrounding alcohol consumption in Scotland. We hope all organisations and individuals with an interest in this subject from health to licensing sectors will submit their views by 20 January 2010 and allow us to consider this Bill thoroughly.”
The committee welcomes written evidence from individuals as well as from organisations and professional bodies and intends that evidence received will inform its consideration of the Bill at Stage 1.
The committee invites views on all aspects of the Bill. Responses should address all or any of the following points in turn:
The advantages and disadvantages of establishing a minimum alcohol sales price based on a unit of alcohol;
The level at which such a proposed minimum price should be set and the justification for that level;
The rationale behind the use of minimum pricing as an effective tool to address all types of problem drinking;
Possible alternatives to the introduction of a minimum alcohol sales price as an effective means of addressing the public health issues surrounding levels of alcohol consumption in Scotland;
The advantages and disadvantages of introducing a social responsibility levy on pubs and clubs in Scotland;
The justification for empowering licensing boards to raise the legal alcohol purchase age in their area to 21;
The role of promotional offers and promotional material in encouraging people to purchase more alcohol than they intended; and
Any other aspects of the Bill.
