Alcohol industry watchdog The Portman Group has condemned the Scottish Government's plans to tackle alcohol misuse.

In the report, ‘Changing Scotland's relationship with Alcohol’ The Scottish Government has proposed a range of measures including the ban on alcohol discount deals and a radical rise a minimum price per unit.

David Poley, Portman Group chief executive (pictured) said that he felt that move shows that the Scottish Government was ‘not listening to reason.’

"These plans will punish all drinkers while only scratching at the surface of our drinking culture,” continued Poley.  “People who drink to get drunk would not be influenced by these measures.  We should be targeting the harmful drinking minority through better education and effective law enforcement.  Many people will make healthier choices if they receive accurate information and support.  Alcohol laws should be enforced properly against people who drink and cause a nuisance.  Raising the legal purchase age to 21 is a crazy idea.  It is astonishing that some 20 year-old Scots could go to war, smoke and vote but not buy a drink."

Nicola Sturgeon, health secretary for Scotland said: "Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers.

"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate.