Calling time
Notably lively debate in parliament right now about the Scottish Government's proposal to.
It's part of a much wider campaign to reduce alcohol abuse in Scotland - including minimum pricing, separate supermarket queues and the rest.
From relatively and variously tentative beginnings, the opposition parties have firmed up their dislike of the off-sales plan.
No doubt they've been emboldened by vigorous opposition to the scheme from the student body, among others.
Looks like MSPs will vote against the scheme in principle in response to today's debate, initiated by the Tories - who, to be fair, have been pretty much agin the notion from the outset.
That isn't, of course, the end of the matter - but it would indicate that there is minimum prospect of that element surviving in a Bill on the topic.
Notably evangelical
Opponents of the off-sales ban say it discriminates against young people unfairly - without sustained evidence that it helps counter Scotland's booze culture.
There is much talk of the 18-year-old who can serve in Iraq - but daren't buy a bottle of beer from an off licence on his return.
Or the 19-year-old who can marry and start a family - but can't buy her pals a bottle of wine to celebrate at home.
In response, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill - who has been notably evangelical on this topic - challenged his opponents to state what, precisely, they would do.
It was all fine and dandy, he said, to mock the government proposals. It was a different thing to offer alternative policy ideas.
This is a consultation. I'm sure the politicians would welcome your views. Especially if they address the issue directly - with minimal reference to partisan standpoints.
I'm 
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