Councillors fire back over booze leaflet row
We were supporting local firms, say Razzaq and thomson
Two Blantyre councillors have hit back at claims their festive goodwill message leaflet bombarded constituents with cut-price booze offers.
Mo Razzaq, who owns both the Family Shopper and Premier Mo’s stores in the town, was this week accused of using his political role to help sell his products after distributing leaflets containing his festive message alongside an advert for alcohol.
His fellow party member, Councillor Bert Thomson, also featured his Christmas message to constituents on the four-page hand out.
The move caused some controversy, with Rutherglen Central and North SNP Councillor Janine Calikes calling on the Labour Party to take action.
Councillor Calikes said: “This is concerning on a number of levels.
“Councillors Razzaq and Thomson should be aware of the dangers surrounding cheap promotions of alcohol, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.”
She continued: “It is the duty of elected members to encourage responsible drinking and to highlight the harm that cut prize booze brings can bring to society.
“It therefore beggars belief that both Mo and Bert — a few weeks after their party supported the minimum unit pricing legislation — decided that it was appropriate to feature on an advert for cheap alcohol.
“If we are to take the Labour Party seriously on tackling the scourge of problem drinking, then they must take action and reprimand both councillors – and in the meantime, they must withdraw the leaflet before more damage is done.”
Councillor Razzaq, however, insisted this week that the leaflet was simply intended to support local businesses. He explained: “The leaflet contains six promotions which are mine and 18 local stores adverts as well as messages from Bert and I, with a list of emergency numbers.
“I did not charge anyone a penny to advertise — it was simply to support local Blantyre businesses.
“However, it seems the SNP would rather local businesses not flourish but instead make insinuations of wrongdoing which is not only silly but petty.”
Councillor Thomson added: “Lots of businesses and supermarkets promote alcohol and groceries, is Councillor Razzaq not allowed to do the same?
“My constituents and the community are all that matters to me. Not petty squabbling.”
South Lanarkshire Council said this week that none of its resources were used for the leaflet and it had no concerns regarding it.