Anne McLaughlin MSP (Glasgow) and her colleague Bob Doris MSP (Glasgow) have welcomed comments from Mike Lees, Managing Director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, backing the SNP Government's plans for a minimum price on alcohol to help combat misuse.

Commenting on the endorsement of the policy Ms McLaughlin said: "The consensus grows yet again. Scotland has a problem with alcohol misuse and I'm glad to hear that one of the biggest players in the industry are taking their responsibility seriously and backing these tough measures.

"Whilst I totally accept that this isn't the final solution to the problem, it will be the biggest and most significant step in helping to deal with Scotland's relationship with alcohol.

"Myself and Bob Doris had some very positive discussions on this last year with Chief Executive Officer, John Dunsmore and Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Glancey and it was clear from them that they took their responsibilities very seriously indeed.

"So I'm pleased with this announcement and would appeal to my colleagues in the Labour and Liberal parties to take their duty to act responsibly as seriously as Mike Lees has and get behind these measures. It's time they started putting public health above party politics."

Speaking on the news, Mr Doris said: "The choice is simple. Currently we have around 3000 deaths per year, 42 000 hospital stays and a bill for every tax payer in Scotland for £900 each year. Do we carry on with this, or tackle it head on?

"The comments from Mike Lees, one of the industry's most respected figures, are most welcome, I am glad that he takes the role he has to play seriously and has come out in favour of our proposal.

"The Labour and Liberal party must stop ignoring the growing consensus across Scotland, put party politics aside and get behind this policy for the good of public health. To continue doing otherwise would be wholly irresponsible."

Notes:

Mike Lees, Managing Director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, said: "As Scotland's leading brewer, Tennent's recognises its duty to act responsibly and has always encouraged people to drink responsibly. Tennent's has a strong commitment to Scotland and welcomes sensible moves to ensure alcohol is enjoyed appropriately.

"We recognise that there is an issue of over-consumption of alcohol among a minority of consumers, and acknowledge that the Scottish Government is working to try to combat this problem. In particular, there is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties.

"We believe that, if implemented appropriately, minimum pricing could be part of the solution by increasing the price of alcohol, particularly of high strength products and is one way of addressing the alcohol abuse issues that we face in Scotland. Consequently, Tennent's supports the proposals to introduce minimum pricing so long as the measures proposed are fair, proportionate and part of an overall programme to reduce the abuse of alcohol .

"We believe passionately that responsible adults have the right to enjoy drinking sensibly and we believe that minimum pricing, when combined with other measures, may contribute to an improvement in society."

Anne McLaughlin MSP and Bob Doris MSP met with Chief Executive Officer, John Dunsmore and Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Glancey in September of 2009, shortly after they took over Tennents