A pioneering strategy deserving of cheers

Sir, – I have rarely seen in your columns a letter so steeped in ignorance as that from Chris Sutherland (May 4) criticising minimum pricing for alcohol.

I would suggest he familiarises himself with some life stories of those whose lives have been blighted by alcohol, whether drinkers, former drinkers, families or friends.

Alcohol contributes significantly to crime, domestic violence, dysfunctional families, broken homes and relationships, homelessness and destitution, bankruptcies, significant mental health issues and suicide, as well as the commonly reported stresses and strains on our NHS.

Alcoholism has long been recognised as an addictive illness yet treatment is considerably under-resourced with privately funded rehabilitation generally well outside the resources of the majority of sufferers of this potentially fatal disease.

Mr Sutherland also demonstrates a strange class arrogance by claiming the introduction of minimum pricing is laced with hypocrisy, with middle-class health professionals trying to save the working class from their own selfdestructive tendencies.

Alcohol misuse is by no means the prerogative of the working class but the availability of cheap booze is a recognised route for many people into alcohol abuse, crime and violence. It is morally reprehensible and unacceptable that supermarkets should be allowed to continue to offer low-priced alcohol knowing it has the potential to cause so much physical and mental damage.

Contrary to Mr Sutherland’s views, the Scottish Government should be congratulated on a pioneering strategy. M Duncan. West Huntingtower, Perth.

Picture: Steven Brown. One correspondent argues the new minimum alcohol pricing policy should be welcomed more warmly.