New laws to tackle Scotland’s historic alcohol problems are to be passed - but without plans to bring in minimum drink pricing.

The SNP government’s Alcohol Bill, being debated at Holyrood, aims to tackle an issue said to cost Scotland more than £3bn a year.

But key measures, including raising the purchase age for off licence sales, have failed to find enough support.

The bill will ban “irresponsible” drink promotions at off licences.

This aims to end the sale of alcohol at heavily discounted prices, as well as offers such as two-for-one deals.

The bill will also pave the way for the introduction, in future, of a “social responsibility fee” on retailers who sell alcohol.

And licensed premises will be required to operate tougher proof of age rules, based on the age of 25, rather than 21.

The government brought forward the Alcohol Bill saying radical action was needed to tackle problems with alcohol-fuelled violence and related health issues.

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