Support for Scottish Alcohol Bill

Fellows and Members are probably aware that an Alcohol Bill is to be put before the Scottish Parliament in the next month. This Bill seeks to curb alcohol misuse and includes a policy of minimum pricing. This legislation would have a significant impact on reducing the burden of alcohol related death and harm which we see daily in clinical practice. RCPE has been a strong supporter of public health measures to reduce alcohol harm, and has agreed to support these measures. It is expected that the voting on the Bill will be very close. Council feel that the RCPE should be active both collectively and individually in advocating this legislation.

Fellows and Members are, therefore, encouraged to consider personally making their support of these measures known to MSPs in their area as soon as is possible. Below you will find a link to a sample letter which you could adapt and send.

If you wish to do so:

1. Please download and review this letter, adapting or omitting any points with which you disagree or are uncomfortable. The statistics have all been verified.
2. Personalise it by copying it on to your hospital notepaper, and signing it with your title and contact details.
3. Send paper and email copies, personally addressed, to each of your MSPs (both constituency and regional). Their names and contact details can also be found using the links below.

• Template letter

Contact details for MSPs can be accessed via the following links -

• MSP Address Postcode Finder
• MSPs by NHSBoard.pdf
• The Scottish Parliament: Current Members

Further information can also be found on the SHAAP website:

• How you can help