The Scottish Executive has launched an advertising campaign to discourage people from buying drinks in rounds.

The ‘Don’t Push It’ television, cinema and billboard poster campaign will be supported by a new website and telephone service and aims to persuade Scots to take responsibility for themselves and to think before they encourage others to have ‘just another drink’.

Deputy health minister Lewis Macdonald said: “Many of us will have been in social situations where we want to miss out on a round or have soft drink rather than an alcoholic one. But peer pressure from friends and colleagues can often make that a difficult choice.”

Television adverts will run for five weeks from yesterday (14 August), the same advert will then launch in cinemas on 18 September for four weeks and billboard posters will be displayed at 180 sites across Scotland, beginning on 28 August. Details: www.infoscotland.com/alcohol or call Drinkline Scotland: 0800 70314 314