Scotland to tackle alcohol misuse

---

The Scottish government is to introduce legislation that will establish a minimum price for alcohol, as part of plans to reduce misuse.

First minister Alex Salmond unveiled the plan as part of the legislative programme for the coming session of Parliament.

In all, 13 bills will be presented.

"A bill to tackle alcohol misuse will introduce innovative measures to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm, with a minimum pricing policy at its cornerstone," Salmond said.

"Alcohol misuse costs Scotland £2.25bn a year in extra services and lost productivity - nearly one-tenth of Scotland's annual budget. 1 in 20 of all deaths in Scotland were attributable to alcohol."

Among the proposals are bans on irresponsible promotions, restrictions on marketing activity in off-sales locations such as supermarkets and a new duty on Licensing Boards to consider raising the purchase age of alcohol to 21 in all or part of their area.

The 13 proposed bills announced today include plans for the construction of a "vital" new Forth Crossing, an end to the right-to-buy for all new social housing and a referendum on Scottish independence.

"Economic recovery is central to our programme for the year ahead," Salmond said.

"We are determined - in all we do - to support jobs and communities across the country in these tough economic times, building on our strong record of delivering for the people of Scotland.

"With £500m being cut from the Scottish Budget by the UK government next year, the circumstances in which we operate will become more trying.

"This year's programme focuses on many of the fundamental challenges we face as a society, as well as raising the ambitions of the people of Scotland.

"Our plans will see us make sure that opportunity is shared throughout society and in all corners of our nation so that no one, and no part of the country, is left behind."

A patients' rights bill will introduce a 12 week waiting time guarantee from agreement to treatment to the start of that treatment, for day cases and inpatients.

Legal services in Scotland will also undergo reform. Legislation will allow Scotland's legal profession to grow and compete, by removing outdated restrictions on business models.

New debtor protection legislation will create a scheme requiring all lenders to demonstrate to a court that they have taken reasonable steps to avoid repossession.

The Scottish government will also legislate to reform crofting, "to make this unique way of life fit for purpose in a modern Scotland".

A full list of bills for the coming session:

• Alcohol Bill

• Historic Environment (Amendment) Bill

• Budget Bill

• Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill

• Crofting Reform Bill

• Debt and Family Homes Bill

• Debtor Protection Bill

• Forth Crossing Bill

• Housing Bill

• Legal Services Bill

• Patients' Rights Bill

• Referendum Bill

• Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill