The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.
The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government’s recent consultation on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.
The consultation received more than 3,000 responses from people and organisations and the findings show that there were high levels of opposition to the specific measures proposed. Almost three quarters of respondents opposed nearly all the other specific proposals set out in the consultation. Some of the concerns raised by respondents include:
- Alcohol harm is a consequence of complex social, economic, and environmental factors, rather than brand marketing.
- The evidence was drawn from a narrow, and highly selective range of sources and not an accurate reflection situation in Scotland.
- The current regulatory arrangements implemented are adequate, effective and operate at no cost to the public purse.
Approximately two thirds of respondents disagreed with the proposals and none of the proposed measures received majority support. However, public health and third sector organisations were overwhelmingly in favour of bans on alcohol marketing with minimal exceptions, noting:
- There may be causal links between the marketing and promotion of alcohol and attitudes towards alcohol.
- The World Health Organization has identified ‘prevention of the alcohol industry’s influence on social norms’ as a key purpose of comprehensive restrictions.
- Restrictions may be effective in changing behaviour relating to purchase and consumption.
The consultation also covered a range of in-store restrictions. For example, 21% thought that the visibility of alcohol should be further restricted in retail environments, while 76% thought it should not. Retail and hospitality organisations and alcohol producers were overwhelmingly against further restrictions.
The report shows the majority of individuals and most organisations with links to the alcohol industry thought the proposals as set out would not achieve the intended outcomes of reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol harm, and/or were disproportionate to the scale of the problem. However, there were high levels of agreement with the proposals among public health, third sector, local authorities and academic organisations.
Following targeted stakeholder engagement, the public will be asked for their views on a narrower range of proposals which will consider the views expressed and international public health evidence, including a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) that restricting alcohol marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways of tackling alcohol harm.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “My sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol. We’re determined to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people, while minimising any impacts on Scotland’s world class drinks industry or tourism sector.
“International evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more, while young people and their families have told us that they want us to take action.
“While almost all responses to the consultation acknowledged that children and young people should not be exposed to alcohol advertising and promotions, it is clear there are a range of views on how this might be achieved. Since the consultation was launched, the First Minister and other Ministers have engaged with a wide range of businesses and stakeholders.
“So we will continue to engage with all interested parties on specific, narrower, proposals that meet our aims. I’m confident this collaborative approach will ensure that we develop policies understanding the full range of opportunities and impacts.”
In response, Matt Lambert, Chief Executive the Portman Group, said: “As the UK alcohol marketing self-regulator, we welcome the Scottish Government’s intention to work collaboratively on achieving our shared goal to tackle alcohol harm and protect children from irresponsible marketing.
“The alcohol industry has a longstanding and serious commitment to market its products responsibly, and we believe this is recognised in the widespread public opposition to the previous blanket proposals.”
