Drinks firms say advertising ban will destroy sector – Daily Business

Nicola Sturgeon reported her authorities will consider on board the objections to a proposed ban on alcohol advertising, but insisted that general public wellbeing was paramount.

The First Minister was responding to a letter from the beverages industry which warned that the plan would decimate a person of Scotland’s greatest industries, with wider problems to the economy.

Ms Sturgeon said that “glamorising” drinking could guide to “over-consumption of alcohol”.

She reported: “This is not about doing economic damage to the alcoholic beverages business.

“It is about producing absolutely sure we are taking accountable steps to safeguard general public overall health.”

She reported she was “aware” of the letter, adding that general public well being minister Maree Todd is owing to meet up with alcohol market bosses, amongst other individuals, throughout the consultation.

Brewhaven, Budweiser Brewing Team, Johnnie Walker whisky maker Diageo, Lanson Champagne and Tennent’s Lager are amid signatories to the letter opposing the coverage which would influence pubs, restaurants, delicatessens, off-licences, wine and whisky stores.

Ministers could also ban out of doors marketing of alcoholic beverages, together with on motor vehicles, as effectively as adverts in newspapers and journals.

It could also see the close of sponsorship of activity and other reside situations by alcoholic drinks companies.

The Scottish government’s consultation about the proposals is because of to conclude following thirty day period. Its purpose is to cut down the impression of alcohol on the nation’s health.

But a lot more than 100 drinks corporations, including brewers and distillers, have signed the letter, indicating the transfer to ban promoting and internet marketing would devastate one of Scotland’s most important industries.

They condition: “Restricting the means to market and market products and solutions responsibly will clear away a essential route to market and go from the Scottish government’s vision to double the turnover of the meals and consume sector by 2030.

“A even more unintended consequence would be the blocking of a vital resource of important resources to Scotland’s athletics and arts and society sectors.”

The sector employs 88,700 in Scotland, and contributes £6.1 billion a year to the financial system. The letter describes whisky, beers and gins created in Scotland as becoming “iconic exports which in change drive our economy at home”.

The companies insist they “recognise and share in the Scottish government’s perseverance to cut down dangerous use of alcohol”, adding that there will be “further workable steps” the sector can take to assist.

They argue, however: “These proposals will not serve to attain this and do not tackle the root bring about of why someone may arrive to have a damaging relationship with alcohol”.

Extra than two million people frequented Scottish distilleries in 2019. It is unclear how sights this kind of as the Johnnie Walker Practical experience in Edinburgh could continue if a ban was applied.

A Scottish federal government spokesman claimed: “Alcohol-related hurt is one particular of the most urgent community health difficulties. An normal of 700 individuals are hospitalised and 24 folks die each week from diseases brought about by consuming alcohol.”

Maree Todd, the public well being minister, is to fulfill “key stakeholders” to “hear directly” their issues.

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Remark: SNP hardly a cheer chief for Scottish market