Ads ban bid to hit boozing.

ALCOHOL advertising could be banned near schools under plans to cut under-age drinking.

The idea will be put forward by Labour health spokeswoman Cathy Jamieson at a summit in Edinburgh today.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the proposal would be considered and added the government were also "determined" to press ahead with plans to set a minimum price for alcohol.

She added: "I am confident we will do that, but in a way that treats other people's views with respect and tries to find a consensus."

Views More than 100 delegates from political parties, the NHS, the drink industry, retailers and interest groups will debate Scotland's problem with alcohol at the summit.

Jamieson said: "We would like to hear views on our proposals for a ban on billboards advertising alcohol near schools and a mandatory code of practice for retailers."

The Liberal Democrats' Robert Brown called for referral schemes to get help for young people arrested and suspected of alcohol abuse.

Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Harry Burns said a minimum alcohol price would bring immediate results.

CAPTION(S):

PROPOSAL: Jamieson