The Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership is a programme that allows commercial companies to work directly with the Government on alcohol issues, and with this vital to the local retailing community we spoke to the schemes Douglas Meikle.
What is the role of the Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership (SGAIP)?
The SGAIP has two main objectives: to deliver joint initiatives to tackle alcohol related harm and promote responsible drinking; and to act as a constructive sounding board and consultative forum on alcohol misuse policy and in particular alcohol legislation.
What sort of work has been carried out so far?
We’ve delivered a number of initiatives including – Alcohol Awareness Week ran for four years; the Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines which ensure alcohol sponsorships are carried out in a responsible way; and the Fife Alcohol Partnership Project, which used in two locations was a multi-component approach with targeted interventions to tackle underage drinking and other alcohol-related harms.
And what’s underway at the moment?
The Partnership’s current areas of activity are: supporting Drinkaware and Scottish Government campaigns on responsible drinking; supporting Best Bar None Scotland; supporting the establishment of Community Alcohol Partnerships to target underage drinking; and establishing a National Licensing Advisory Group to improve the operation of the licensing regime, among many other things.
What can local retailers do to ensure that the nation’s relationship with alcohol improves?
Local retailers are already doing a lot through compliance, including promoting Challenge 25 and clamping down on proxy purchasing. We would also encourage them to get involved and support the SGAIP initiatives, as well as Community Alcohol Partnerships.
How important is it for the Government to continually consult with the industry?
Working in partnership is critical to addressing alcohol-related harm. Regular dialogue and consultation between the industry and government is very important. No one entity or organisation can solve problems on its own. It requires concerted action by a wide range of stakeholders, including consumers.
What can you tell us about the new campaign?
The ‘Spot the Difference?’ campaign launched on 16th September. The intention is to motivate them to take steps to reduce their alcohol intake by swapping their usual drink for a lower abv versions. Spot the Difference will run across Glasgow in supermarkets, convenience stores and pubs and is being supported by Asda, Waitrose, Spar, Scotmid and Keystore, along with the on-trade, across 150 outlets. The campaign uses POS materials to nudge people towards trying a lower abv drink. These messages will centre on taste and the short and long-term health benefits of switching as consumer testing showed these factors resonated with the target audience.
Recent stats show that alcohol sales are down 3% in Scotland – what do you put that down to, education, economy, or a combination?
There is a whole combination of factors involved and it cannot be accounted for by just one measure. The most important thing is that alcohol-related harms are decreasing in Scotland. There is no doubt more needs to be done, but we should make sure that the improving picture is well known to help others reluctant to change their behaviours that change is possible and beneficial.
So finally, what key message do you think the Government/AIP needs to communicate to the public?
Our key messages to consumers are delivered through our support of Drinkaware’s and the Scottish Government’s responsible drinking behaviour change campaigns.