Scots plot major crackdown on marketing of booze

The Scottish Government is risking the wrath of the drinks industry – and its customers – with plans to restrict alcohol marketing which could see shops forced introduce cigarette-style restrictions by keeping booze behind cupboard doors.

Holyrood’s consultation document,“Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion”, sets out why it wants to cut down the industry’s ability to market itself in order to “reduce the appeal of alcohol to our young people.”

Print and online advertising could also be curtailed, along with alcohol visibility at sporting events.

The consultation, which closes on March 9, reads: “It is crucial any potential restrictions to reduce the volume of alcohol marketing are as comprehensive as possible.”

In some EU states, common sanctions include fines for breaches, as well as revoking alcohol licences and potential imprisonment in some countries.

Measures could even include prohibiting the sale or distribution of alcohol-branded merchandise including T-shirts, jackets and baseball caps as well as branded glasses and mugs, with clothing in particular singled out as “walking billboards”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Alcohol-related harm is one of the most pressing public health challenges that we face in Scotland. An average of 700 people are hospitalised and 24 people die each week from illnesses caused by drinking alcohol.

“The Public Health Minister will be meeting key stakeholders, including the alcohol and advertising industries during the consultation period, to hear directly from them.

“This is a first wide ranging consultation on this issue and any proposals we take forward into legislation are subject to the consultation responses. We are not introducing legislation at this stage.”