Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers have said they will carry on in their attempts to ban alcohol sales to those under the age of 21 despite a defeat in Holyrood.
A Conservative motion was backed by 72 votes to 47, as opponents labelled the plans “ludicrous”.
Deputy leader of the Scottish Tory party Murdo Fraser said: “The SNP are creating a ludicrous situation whereby students cannot buy a bottle of wine or a few cans of beer to enjoy in the hall of residence or flat.”
Yet justice secretary SNP Kenny MacAskill argued that legislation is needed to tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour.
Labour MP Sally Keeble this week launched a private members’ bill in the English Parliament in an attempt to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol.
