Statement in Response to the Scottish Government's Measures to Tackle Alcohol Abuse

Statement in Response to the Scottish Government's Measures to Tackle Alcohol Abuse

The Gin and Vodka Association (GVA), which represents the UK gin and vodka industry, has actively participated in UK Government initiatives and social affairs programmes, including the promotion of the Sensible Drinking Message. We also welcomed the recommendations in its National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.

We share the UK Government's concerns and are determined to play a full part in encouraging, supporting and promoting responsible drinking. As one of the initial signatories to the Scottish Executive & Alcoholic Drinks Industry Partnership Agreement, which was launched in February 2007, we are also committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to address the issue of responsible drinking head on.

Edwin Atkinson, Director General of the GVA, comments: "We believe that the drinks industry as a whole should work closely with both the UK and the Scottish Governments to help change the cultural attitudes to excessive drinking that affect the minority of the population.

"However, we not believe that whole population measures are the best way to do so, and are disappointed that the Scottish Government is proposing to adopt this approach when it should be focusing its attention on the small section of the Scottish population that is prone to drink excessively."

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For further comment or interview requests, please contact

Caitriona Kavanagh

RichmondTowersCommunications

Tel: 020 7388 7421

Caitriona@rt-com.com