MSPs discussed ways of changing drinking habits

Kenny MacAskill hit the headlines in 1999 when he was held by police before the England-Scotland match at Wembley.

He was held for the duration of the match but was not charged or cautioned.

The SNP justice spokesman said action against excessive alcohol required action on a range of fronts, including legislation and a cultural change.

Drinks promotions

He said: "Alcohol misuse is something that transcends all ages and all classes and is not restricted to the young and those in marginalised areas.

"It is something that government needs to act upon, but each and every Scot needs to look at his ways.

"And I myself as somebody who has offended in the past, recognise the error of the ways and the requirement I have to address my own consumption."

The debate was on an SNP motion which called for a ban on "irresponsible" drink promotions in off-sales and deep-discounting by supermarkets.

The executive is hoping its next five-year plan will see more success in stamping out binge-drinking culture and the violence and ill-health it fuels.

It is easy to say that more legislative action is needed, that somehow this will be the magic bullet that solves Scots' love affair with the booze George Lyon Scottish Executive minister

New licensing laws are due to come into effect next year.

They will see action taken against shopkeepers who sell alcohol to under-18s and a 14-point partnership agreement with the drinks industry to stamp out irresponsible promotions.

Deputy Public Service Minister George Lyon said: "We need to be careful we don't go for the headline-grabbing gimmick approach which doesn't deliver real results."

He warned: "It is easy to say that more legislative action is needed, that somehow this will be the magic bullet that solves Scots' love affair with the booze.

"But that type of blinkered approach will achieve nothing when it is our focused and comprehensive approach to achieving the long-term culture change that is needed."

Excessive drinking

Tory health spokeswoman Dr Nanette Milne also warned there was no quick fix to the problem.

The Conservative claimed that drinking to excess had become increasingly common.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Euan Robson complained about the number of alcopops on the market.

And Green MSP Patrick Harvie claimed youngsters said they drank because there were few cheap alternatives for them on a night out.

Following the debate MSPs voted 89-25 in favour of a motion, amended by Mr Lyon.

It noted the damage excessive drinking can cause to physical and mental health, to communities and to the economy.