GPs seek ban on 'loyalty points' for buying alcohol

CUSTOMERS buying alcohol should not be eligible for supermarket "loyalty points", doctors have advised.

GPs said removing alcohol purchases from reward schemes should be part of a series of measures to tackle the promotion of cheap drinks in supermarkets.

Delegates at the conference in Clydebank yesterday also gave their unanimous backing to the Scottish Government's plans for a minimum price for alcohol.

Dr Malcolm Kerr, a GP in Ayrshire and Arran, said: "The relationship of price to alcohol consumption is very clear: over 50 years, consumption has doubled while real cost has halved."

Dr Catriona Morton, a GP in Edinburgh, said:

"Supermarkets offer cut-price deals on alcohol and special promotions to encourage bulk buying of cheap alcohol."

Dr Jim O'Neil, a GP in Glasgow, added: "I work in an area of deprivation in Glasgow where life expectancy for men is just 58. Alcohol is one of the biggest killers and cause of morbidity in my area.

"Local government must also take responsibility when issuing licenses for corner shops who sell cheap alcohol."