Health toll on under-age drinkers

Nicola Sturgeon said new measures would end pocket-money pricing

At least 900 children with alcohol-related psychological and behavioural problems were admitted to hospital in one year, new figures have shown.

The 2007-2008 statistics showed that 133 children aged 13 and under and 778 children aged 14-17 were admitted to hospital.

But the figure for children aged 13 and under was lower than the 148 admitted in 2006-2007.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the figures were "deeply concerning".

The figures were disclosed in a parliamentary answer obtained by Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie.

These deeply concerning figures provide further proof that we need to rethink our entire relationship with alcohol Nicola Sturgeon Scottish Health Secretary

He said said: "We already know that alcohol abuse is Scotland's shame but these figures show the true extent of the long-lasting damage it can have on individuals' lives.

"It is simply shocking that 133 young children were admitted to hospital with alcohol-related mental health problems last year."

Mr Finnie said more must be done to deal with the problem.

"I want to see ministers redouble their efforts to crack down on those people who sell or pass on alcohol to young people," he added.

"More must also be done to raise awareness of the real dangers of alcohol abuse."

Irresponsible promotions

The figures also showed that 20,433 adults were admitted to hospitals in Scotland in 2007-08 - up from 19,594 the previous year.

Ms Sturgeon said: "These deeply concerning figures provide further proof that we need to rethink our entire relationship with alcohol, including making it less accessible and affordable for young people."

She said the Licensing Act would aim to protect children from harm.

"We want to build on this," she added.

"That's why our new measures for action include making it easier for local licensing boards to apply a minimum age of 21 to off-sales where appropriate, and to end the pocket-money pricing of drink by introducing a minimum price and banning irresponsible promotions."