Question reference: S6W-12353
- Date lodged: 16 November 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 17 November 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its public consultation on potential restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.
Answer
I have today published our public consultation paper on restricting alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland, as set out in our Programme for Government 2022-23. This is available at https://consult.gov.scot/alcohol-policy/alcohol-advertising-and-promotion .
Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion is a crucial element in changing our troubled relationship with alcohol and is one of the World Health Organization’s three best buys to reduce alcohol-related harms.
Alcohol advertising and promotion is seen by, and appealing to, large volumes of children and young people in Scotland. International evidence shows that seeing alcohol marketing is associated with an increased likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more . This is harmful to them in both the short and long term.
It is also likely that alcohol advertising and promotion influences higher-risk drinkers and can be a trigger for those in recovery to drink alcohol and relapse . This is in addition to the likely impact marketing has on our wider society, by normalising alcohol and presenting it as fun, sociable and commonplace. Young people in Scotland , as well as people in recovery and their families , have told us directly that they see a lot of alcohol marketing and want us to take action to tackle this
The consultation paper is wide ranging and covers potential restrictions on all of the major sources of exposure to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland, including advertising on TV, outdoors, through sports and events sponsorship as well as through branded merchandise and online.
The aim of any restrictions would be to reduce exposure to marketing generally in Scotland which should in turn reduce initiation of drinking and levels of consumption in young people, reduce the potential of relapse for those in recovery and reduce attractiveness of alcohol, and thereby consumption, amongst the general population.
We are seeking responses from all stakeholders to fully understand their views and any concerns they may have about any proposed restrictions. The Scottish Government will be carrying out a programme of engagement with key stakeholders throughout the consultation period to ensure all voices are heard.