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Scots drinkers down more spirits | Scots drinkers down more spirits |
(about 2 hours later) | |
People in Scotland drank almost two litres more pure alcohol last year than those living in other parts of Britain, according to new research. | People in Scotland drank almost two litres more pure alcohol last year than those living in other parts of Britain, according to new research. |
The figures from Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (Shaap) were based on alcohol sales data. | The figures from Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (Shaap) were based on alcohol sales data. |
They showed an average Scot over the age of 16 consumed 11.8 litres compared to 9.9 litres in England and Wales. | They showed an average Scot over the age of 16 consumed 11.8 litres compared to 9.9 litres in England and Wales. |
The higher level north of the border was due to the fact that Scots drinkers consumed more spirits. | The higher level north of the border was due to the fact that Scots drinkers consumed more spirits. |
In total, almost eight million more litres of pure alcohol were consumed in Scotland in 2007. | In total, almost eight million more litres of pure alcohol were consumed in Scotland in 2007. |
Shaap, an independent medical advocacy group, said basing the research on sales figures gave a more accurate picture than other surveys because people often under-report how much they drink. | Shaap, an independent medical advocacy group, said basing the research on sales figures gave a more accurate picture than other surveys because people often under-report how much they drink. |
The most effective and efficient means of reducing the demand for alcohol are to regulate price and availability Dr Bruce Ritson Shaap | |
For most types of drinks, the amounts purchased were similar across Britain. | For most types of drinks, the amounts purchased were similar across Britain. |
However, there was a notable difference in the level of spirits bought in Scotland - an average figure of 3.5 litres per person, compared to 1.8 litres in England and Wales. | |
Spirits made up around 29% of all alcohol sold in Scotland last year, but constituted less than a fifth of alcohol bought in England and Wales. | Spirits made up around 29% of all alcohol sold in Scotland last year, but constituted less than a fifth of alcohol bought in England and Wales. |
Shaap said the survey helped explain why the number of deaths linked to alcohol was higher in Scotland. | Shaap said the survey helped explain why the number of deaths linked to alcohol was higher in Scotland. |
Scottish Government proposals to tackle Scotland's "booze culture" are currently being debated at Holyrood. | Scottish Government proposals to tackle Scotland's "booze culture" are currently being debated at Holyrood. |
They include raising the off-licence alcohol purchase age from 18 to 21, a minimum pricing structure for alcohol and a crackdown on drinks promotions. | They include raising the off-licence alcohol purchase age from 18 to 21, a minimum pricing structure for alcohol and a crackdown on drinks promotions. |
LITRES OF ALCOHOL CONSUMED PER PERSON (16+) Type of drink Scotland England & Wales Spirits 3.5 1.8 RTDs 0.1 0.1 Fortified Wine 0.3 0.2 Cider 0.6 0.6 Perry 0.1 0.1 Light Wines 3.0 2.8 Beers 4.4 4.4 Total 11.8 9.9 Source: Neilson | |
Dr Bruce Ritson, chairman of Shaap, said the figures underlined the need for urgent action and declared the organisation's support for Scottish ministers' plans. | Dr Bruce Ritson, chairman of Shaap, said the figures underlined the need for urgent action and declared the organisation's support for Scottish ministers' plans. |
He said: "What these figures reinforce is the need to act now to reduce overall alcohol consumption in Scotland. | He said: "What these figures reinforce is the need to act now to reduce overall alcohol consumption in Scotland. |
"The most effective and efficient means of reducing the demand for alcohol are to regulate price and availability." | "The most effective and efficient means of reducing the demand for alcohol are to regulate price and availability." |
He added: "Over the past few decades we have seen a progressive liberalisation of the alcohol market in the UK, with the result that alcohol is now available in more places, for longer periods, and at more affordable prices. | He added: "Over the past few decades we have seen a progressive liberalisation of the alcohol market in the UK, with the result that alcohol is now available in more places, for longer periods, and at more affordable prices. |
"Unfortunately, in that time we have also seen a rise in consumption and an escalation of alcohol-related damage." | "Unfortunately, in that time we have also seen a rise in consumption and an escalation of alcohol-related damage." |
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