Alcohol Debate

Welcome to the debate.

Putting Scotland's relationship with alcohol under the spotlight.

Scotland. Are we all drinking too much?

Scotland enjoys a worldwide reputation as a friendly, hospitable and social nation. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, its proud culture and passionate identity, Scotland the 'brand' is well known and understood across the globe. And this is something we should feel immensely proud of. From kilts, tam-o-shanters and tartan to haggis, whisky and the inevitable deep fried mars bar, we are a country that's proud of its history, enjoying its present and ready for the challenge of what lies ahead.

Yes
No

Are we all drinking too much?
Yes or no?

What do you think?

Alcohol related deaths are more than double what they were 15 years ago.

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Are we setting a good example?

There's no doubt that as we have children – the way we socialise changes – we tend to entertain at home more often. And with more alcohol being bought in supermarkets and off-licences than ever before, we're also drinking more at home.

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The Debate:

Are we setting a good example? [63 comments]

I think that there is a drinking culture accross Scotland (and also in the UK) and it is this which needs to be challenged. I think that focusing on children and young people is the wrong approach. We should seek to lead by example and stamp out the message that drunk people ar....

Annie McIntyre, City of Edinburgh Council, Health and Social Care. Wednesday, 11 March, 2009, 09:10.

Let's face it, we've all had an underage tipple regardless of what our parents told us or what their drinking habits were. I personally spent nearly every Friday between the ages of 17-21 very drunk indeed but I grew out of it. But then again, things were a bit different when I w....

Lynda, Central Scotland. Wednesday, 22 October, 2008, 09:02.

Children at my secondry school regularly drink Alcohol to get drunk. A kid who shall remain nameless at my school had to be atmitted to hospital yestarday to get his stomash pumped after drinking 20 md. I do not drink as fortunatley my parents were kind enough not to set a bad ex....

Callum, Kilsyth. Thursday, 2 October, 2008, 19:24.

Have your say in the Government's
Alcohol Consultation?

The Scottish Government is conducting a Consultation on Alcohol Misuse in Scotland and would like to hear your views. If you'd like to have your say in the new plan of action, details on how to take part can be found on the Scottish Government website.

Closing date for responses is September 9, 2008.

The Scottish Government

Comments displayed on this website are the views of the contributors and not the views of the Alcohol Debate team.