Scottish Labour's Cathy Jamieson has responded to the publication of new figures showing that alcohol is a factor in one death every three hours by reiterating her call for a national consensus to tackle Scotland’s hard drinking culture.

Labour has brought forward proposals for a ban on billboards advertising alcohol near schools and a mandatory code of practice for retailers who sell alcohol.

We will look seriously at any credible proposals from any source to help stop people abusing alcohol.

Shadow Health Secretary Cathy Jamieson said:

"I am genuinely shocked by these figures showing the extent of alcohol abuse in Scotland. That alcohol is a factor in one death every three hours should make us all stop and think.

"We need a national consensus to tackle Scotland's hard drinking culture involving all of our political parties, health organisations, the police and the industry itself.

"Labour has suggested a ban on billboards advertising alcohol near schools and a mandatory code of practice for retailers, but we will look seriously at any credible proposals from any source that will reduce the level of problem drinking in Scotland."

30/06/2009