She was speaking in the wake of the Tele’s investigation about the damage alcohol abuse is doing and the pressure it is putting on the police and NHS.

Referring to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 she said, “Irresponsible promotions, such as two for ones in on-sales, were banned from September 1.

“If any pub is still running them we would encourage people to make a representation to the licensing board. The new Act allows any person to make a representation and the licensing board can then decide what action is appropriate.”

Board chairman Rod Wallace yesterday proposed the board prioritises the encouragement of staff promoting responsible drinking as well as more stringently enforcing the admission policy for licensed premises.

He criticised licensed premises that actively encouraged customers to drink to excess through irresponsible offers such as selling double measures at discounted prices.

He also castigated the continued presence of minors in pubs and clubs saying, “There is strong evidence under-agers are gaining access to licensed premises. By this fact the licence for the establishment, be it a club or pub, is put at risk.”

Ms Robison supported his concerns, pointing to another clause of the new Act.

She said, “On proof of age to allow entry, the onus is on the club or pub to ensure they are complying with the Act and the conditions of their licence.

“If they have been granted a licence on the basis that people under 18 are not allowed entry, they should be checking age at the door.

“On sale of alcohol to persons under 18, the Act is clear that where there is any doubt about a person’s age, the sale must be refused.

“The only acceptable forms of proof of age are a passport, photo driving licence or Proof of Age Standards Scheme-accredited card like Young Scot.”

Ms Robison and fellow MSP Joe FitzPatrick witnessed under-age admissions and irresponsible drinks promotions at first hand last Friday night when they went on patrol of the city centre with emergency services and a reporter and photographer from the Tele.

They came across flyers promoting spirit and mixers for £1 and saw two 15-year-old girls being brought into Maryfield police station in possession of cider.

“The ‘night shift exercise’ which I undertook with my colleague Joe FitzPatrick MSP was valuable,” said Ms Robison.

“Alcohol abuse is one of the major national problems we have to deal with. Meeting front line staff who deal with the effects of excessive drinking, such as A&E staff, police and ambulance crews, and seeing for ourselves what they have to cope with, was helpful as the debate continues.

“We, the Scottish Government, plan a raft of new measures to tackle the problem, including minimum pricing of alcohol units.”

In addition to highlighting at Holyrood violations of the new Act, Ms Robison will give her full support to Dundee licensing board’s moves for a report on irresponsible drinks promotions.