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" New figures suggest that nearly half of those accused of homicide in Scotland last year were under the influence of drink or drugs at the time of the incident. Scotland&amp;#039;s chief statistician revealed that there were 78 homicides involving 79 victims during 2009-10, down 20 per cent since the previous year. He also noted that the figures underline the link between alcohol and violent crime, as almost half of all homicides may have been fuelled by drink or drugs. Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said that more must be done to tackle Scotland&amp;#039;s &amp;#039;booze culture&amp;#039;. He claimed that the figures &amp;#039;demonstrate the terrible cost of Scotland&amp;#039;s damaging relationship with alcohol&amp;#039;. &amp;#039;The links between alcohol and violent crime are already well known, and that is why we have already taken tough action, through the alcohol bill, to address Scotland&amp;#039;s drinking culture by ending irresponsible drinks promotions and tightening up the rules surrounding the sale of alcohol in off-licenses,&amp;#039; he pointed out. MSPs recently rejected the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol during the final debate on the alcohol bill. However, the bill still includes many measures that could help to address the nation&amp;#039;s unhealthy relationship with alcohol, including a ban on quantity discounts and restrictions on off-sales alcohol promotions. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a20384/half-of-suspected-murderers-under-influence-of-drink-or-drugs/>