Irvine Welsh rails against 'cheap bevvy' culture

Irvine Welsh called on the Scottish government to tackle the country's 'growing problem' with alcohol.

The Trainspotting author said that the amount of alcohol consumed is directly linked to the price of drinks and that low prices have created a 'cheap bevvy' culture in Scotland.

'Scotland has a growing problem with alcohol abuse. More people, younger people and more women than ever before, are at risk from being encouraged to over-consume this drug,' the writer claimed.

Welsh also advised politicians to step in to resolve the problem and said that public health should not be sacrificed to protect the profitability of the drinks industry.

The comments came as the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems campaign group launches a new drive to encourage people to consider how they use alcohol and challenge the view that it is an essential part of the nation's culture.

Figures from the group claimed alcohol misuse costs Scotland GBP 820 million in reduced output and productivity each year, while the NHS spends GBP 405 million dealing with the problem.