Alcohol and our communities: no action from Labour

Well done to Nicola Sturgeon and Shona Robison, the SNP health team, who are taking the bull by the horn and tackling the blight of alcohol problems in our communities. Just as it was an SNP MSP, Stewart Maxwell, who ploughed the furrow and sowing the seeds of the Smoking Ban, so it is SNP Ministers who are now prepared to walk the talk.

Meanwhile, what are our opponents saying? Empty words as ever. The Tories are more concerned about the profits of the supermarkets than the health of our people. The Lib Dems are playing on an age-limit increase for young people which isn't even going ahead nationally.

"we will encourage local Licensing Boards to develop local solutions to address local problems."

And Labour are strangely silent. Strange? Naw! Labour are always found wanting when tough action is needed. How's this for a response: "we cannae support it cos the Bill is too difficult to scrutinise".... pathetic! Well hard working families and citizens who want a safer society will take notice of Labour's opposition to this.

Even after the doctors, the police and alcohol recovery groups have given their wholehearted support, still we hear nothing constructive from Cathy Jamieson.

And for once, the BBC 10 O'Clock News gave the best impartial reporting of a Scottish Government initiative I have witnessed so far. The balanced reporting of alcohol consumption in relation to price was well handled with views from both sides given an airing.