DUSA head hits out at NHS plan to raise drinking age to 21
ByThe Courier Reporter
Iain MacKinnon, right, does not think raising the drinking age is a good idea.
The head of Dundee University Students’ Union (DUSA) has slammed health bosses’ plans to raise the drinking age to 21.
Iain MacKinnon has denounced the proposal by NHS Health Scotland which claimed this was the most cost- effective way to improve the nation’s health.
He said: “I don’t see how this would help and I would be against it. 18-year-olds are well aware of the dangers and risks of excessive drinking and the limit will not improve alcohol problems.
“People of all ages drink to excess, targeting the young will not help.
“It could result in the ridiculous situation where a young couple could get married… and not even be allowed to drink at their own wedding.”
The report by the Government’s health promotion agency said curbs on the drinking age could reduce future demands on the health service in Scotland.
The Scottish Government says it has no plans to raise the drinking age. Previous plans to raise the age for off-licence sales were blocked in 2010.
DUSA head hits out at NHS plan to raise drinking age to 21
