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Children's charities back minimum pricing

Published:  01 March, 2010

Children's charities in Scotland have thrown their weight behind plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol.

The NSPCC's ChildLine service has been joined by seven other charities in issuing a joint statement to the Scottish health and sport committee, urging politicians to put "children's interests at the heart of alcohol policy".

Minimum pricing remains a major political issue in Scotland, where the SNP administration is facing solid opposition to its proposals from other parties. Critics believe the policy is unworkable or even illegal under European law.

But Elaine Chalmers, head of ChildLine in Scotland, said: "We know from calls that harmful drinking by a parent or carer can dominate family relationships and affect children's wellbeing in every aspect of their lives.

"Alcohol policy needs to implement measures that will protect children from harm.

"This includes minimum pricing which should be supported by other policies relating to support and education."