Scotland has a serious drink problem

The Scottish Government and health campaigners say that the new report shows the need to increase the price of alcohol and reduce the harmful levels of consumption. According to NHS Health Scotland, 50.9 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland in 2009 — 12.3 litres per person over 18. That is 2.4 litres per person more than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

"If we want to understand why Scotland has so many problems with alcohol, we need look no further than this report. It clearly shows the extent to which cheap alcohol is available across the country," Tom Roberts, director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, told the Scotsman.

Scottish Conservative public health spokeswoman Nanette Milne, said: "These reports confirm what we already know — Scotland has a drink problem and urgent, effective action is required to tackle it.

Mary Ellmers, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: "A minimum price per alcohol unit would put an end to the cheap vodkas and ciders, which are linked to alcohol-related violence and harm."