Action needed to tackle "booze culture"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Oct 2007

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has called on the Scottish Government to urge the Westminster Government to introduce compulsory labelling of alcoholic products.

As product labelling is reserved to the Westminster Government, Mr Finnie has tabled written questions in the Scottish Parliament to ascertain whether the Scottish Government has been involved in any discussion with the Westminster Government about the introduction of compulsory labelling of alcohol products.

Speaking ahead of Alcohol Awareness week, Mr Finnie said:

"I want to see the Scottish Government marking Alcohol Awareness week with real action to tackle Scotland's booze culture. The Liberal Democrats support the BMA's campaign to tackle binge drinking.

"Clearer labelling will help drinkers keep an eye on how much alcohol they consume. I am, therefore, pressing the Scottish Government to work constructively with the Westminster Government to introduce compulsory labelling of alcohol products.

"A united approach between Westminster and Holyrood is necessary to tackle fully this critical issue."