Tight controls on drink adverts proposed for Scotland

Tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising are proposed in new Scottish Government proposals put out to consultation today.

The public’s views are being sought on plans to restrict advertisements for alcohol at sporting events, on buses, online and elsewhere, in an effort to improve public health.

Informed by the Children’s Parliament and the Young Scot Health Panel, the proposals are the latest step in efforts to reduce harmful drinking and its effects in Scotland. Ministers say they are in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommended approach to comprehensively restrict exposure to alcohol marketing.

The possible prohibitions include:

• alcohol sports sponsorship in Scotland, with or without exemptions;
• alcohol events sponsorship, with or without exemptions;
• outdoor and public spaces marketing, such as on vehicles and billboards;
• sale and distribution of alcohol branded merchandise;
• newspaper and magazine advertising;
• alcohol branded social media channels and websites, and paid online alcohol advertising;
• TV and radio advertising (completely or before a watershed).

In each case respondents are asked whether there should be exemptions.

Other controls discussed include where and how alcohol is displayed in shops; possible restrictions on cinema advertising (where UK Government cooperation would be needed); and the content of permitted marketing, as well as how restrictions should be monitored and enforced.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd commented: "There is clear evidence that adverts which glamorise drinking can encourage young people to drink alcohol and have a detrimental impact on those in recovery from problem alcohol use.  

"We are making progress already – with our minimum unit pricing reducing alcohol sales in the off-trade – but with 1,245 alcohol related deaths last year we know that more needs to be done if we are to tackle Scotland’s problematic relationship with alcohol.

"This consultation is an important step in doing that, and I am extremely grateful for the young voices who have helped us get this far."

Access the consultation here. It will run for 16 weeks to allow for the Christmas holiday period and February recess, closing on 9 March 2023.