BAN DRINKS ADS TO CUT HEALTH RISK
Campaigners push for curbs on ‘wallpapered’ booze marketing
BOOZE ads could be banned from public spaces and sports events after a charity warned they promote positive messages about drinking.
Campaigners are urging the Scottish Government to act as communities are “wallpapered” in adverts for aloholic drinks.
They say the high visibility of ads mean people of all ages are bombarded with positive messages about drinking and it can be difficult for those trying to quit.
Alcohol Focus Scotland wants SNP and Green ministers to take further action against marketing which it claimed has become “increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to avoid”.
That could include ending booze brands sponsoring sports events and limiting adverts in public places.
It comes as the Government prepares to launch a public consultation on the issue in the autumn.
More than a quarter of Scots are drinking at levels that bring increased risk to their health, the charity said.
Chief executive Alison Douglas said: “The current self-regulatory approach is failing to protect people and has led to our communities being wallpapered with promotions for a product that harms our health.
“We only need to think of how
Adverts make alcohol cool and exciting ALISON DOUGLAS ON BOOZE PROMOS
easily we recognise brands simply from a distinctive colour or font to realise how powerful marketing is. “Children and young people tell us they see alcohol everywhere, all the time, and they worry that adverts make alcohol seem cool and exciting.
“People in recovery talk of how marketing jeopardises their recovery.
“People don’t just have a need to be protected from alcohol marketing, they have a right to be protected.
“A number of other countries have already imposed bans on alcohol marketing.
“If we want to create a more positive culture where everyone can realise their right to health, the Scottish Government must use its full powers to restrict alcohol marketing.”
Recommendations by the group include introducing advertising restrictions for public spaces which could include all forms of brand marketing beyond company names.
Making in-store alcohol displays visible only to those planning to browse or buy alcohol and mandating the display of health information on all packaging have also been suggested by the charity.
Public health minister Maree Todd said: “I am determined to tackle the harmful impacts that alcohol marketing can have.”