The Scottish Government has outlined new measures to combat the problem of alcohol misuse in Scotland, which costs the country around £2.25bn each year.

Changing Scotland's Relationship With Alcohol: A Framework for Action identifies a number of government proposals to tackle the issue, including the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol. Promotional offers such as 'three for two' deals would be banned, while each licensing board would be given powers to decide whether local alcohol-related problems warrant an off-sales purchase age of 21 years old.

The Scottish Government has already earmarked £120m between 2008-11 to identify and treat alcohol problems, while a Youth Commission on Alcohol has been established to examine the impact of alcohol on young people. Scottish health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "Our coherent strategy for stemming the tide of alcohol misuse is bolder than anything seen before in Scotland.

"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate. But we remain determined to press ahead with tough policies to tackle alcohol misuse."