Scotland’s new nationalist government intends to make cut-price and free alcohol offers in Scottish shops ­illegal in an attempt to tackle the nation’s “destructive” drinking culture.

Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, said he would extend recent licensing legislation to outlaw irresponsible promotions and pricing in off-sales outlets. Shops would also be required to have separate alcohol display areas, to challenge the perception that alcohol was in the same category as fruit juice or water.