Nicola Sturgeon vows to 'carefully consider' alcohol advertising ban issues in wake of letter from Budweiser, Tennent's and Diageo

By Katrine Bussey
Published 6th Feb 2023, 17:19 BST
Updated 6th Feb 2023, 17:20 BST
Comment
​Nicola Sturgeon has pledged her Government will "carefully consider" the issues around alcohol advertising after an outcry from the drinks industry.

But the First Minister stressed the need to take "responsible steps to protect public health", insisting there was evidence that adverts which "glamorise" drinking could lead to "over-consumption of alcohol".

She spoke out after more than 100 firms which produce alcohol, including the Budweiser Brewing Group, Lanson Champagne, Diageo, Whyte & Mackay and Tennent's Lager, signed an open letter to Holyrood ministers, saying: "Don't destroy Scotland's drinks industry."

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The letter, described as being an unprecedented display of concern from the sector, marks the firms' opposition to new restrictions that the Scottish Government is consulting on.

Tennent's lager for sale in an Edinburgh supermarket. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA WireTennent's lager for sale in an Edinburgh supermarket. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Tennent's lager for sale in an Edinburgh supermarket. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Alcohol producers from across Scotland, however, spoke out against the measures being consulted on. Other signatories included Belhaven, Brewdog, Chivas Brothers/Pernod Ricard, The Macallan, and the Molson Coors Beverage Company.

The measures being consulted on by ministers could see a ban on alcohol sponsorship for both sports and live events.

The consultation, which runs until March 9, could also see distillery and brewery shops barred from selling branded merchandise to visitors, as well as drinks branding being removed from pub umbrellas and glassware.

With ministers also considering a ban on all outdoor advertising of alcohol, including on vehicles, and a ban on adverts in newspapers and magazines, the companies that signed the letter fear the measures would result in a "blanket ban on alcohol advertising and sponsorship" in Scotland.