Ban on alcohol sponsors ‘huge blow’ to festivals
Banning alcohol brands from sponsoring events would be a “huge blow” for island festivals and businesses, says the organiser of Tiree Music Festival, writes Sandy Neil.
The Scottish Government is consulting until Thursday March 9 on its plans to restrict alcohol advertising and promotion, in a bid to tackle Scotland’s “troubled relationship with alcohol”.
The proposals include banning distillery and brewery shops from selling branded merchandise to visitors, removing drinks branding from pub umbrellas and glassware, and banning drinks industry funding of sports and cultural events such as rugby, football, arts festivals and live music.
Daniel Gillespie, director of Tiree Music Festival (TMF), said: “Given the current industry climate and challenges, the proposed ban is potentially another huge blow to the events and festivals sector.
“Since our very first festival, we have had some key brand partners that have supported the growth of TMF via both financial and in-kind sponsorship. We also know the festival plays a key part in the annual turnover and growth of Tyree Gin, a local island business that creates employment opportunities and economic impact for the island.
“There is no doubt our nation has a serious issue with alcohol that needs to be addressed. However, we believe this should be done via investment in education and support services, rather than targeting specific industries that are key to celebrating our country’s cultural identity and bolstering its economy.”
The founders of the Isle of Tiree Distillery, Alain Campbell and Ian Smith, told us: “The proposals to alter alcohol advertising regulations could have an adverse impact on small and medium sized businesses, if some of the most extreme of the proposals are implemented.
“We recognise the importance in reducing the impact of harmful drinking and accept our nation has problems that need to be addressed.
“A blanket ban on public advertising and merchandising would cause a disproportional loss in revenue streams, and would negate the hard work and success that brands have had in communicating their respective stories and USPs (‘unique selling propositions’)
“Advertising plays a role in all walks of life and alcohol advertising, specifically, is a unique part of our visual culture. We accept this relationship may need reset in some form in order to protect children and vulnerable individuals.
“We reject the notion from Alcohol Focus Scotland that local brands encourage problem drinking and that brands fail to comply with proper labelling and regulations.
“We hope the concerns raised in the consultation are listened to and that a common ground is found between brands’ rights to advertise, customers’ right to choose, and our collective responsibility to protect vulnerable groups.”
A Mull of Kintyre Music Festival spokesperson said: “This proposal is very concerning as we have three concerts which are sponsored by local distilleries. It is important to the festival to have various streams of funding to keep the event sustainable. This would have a detrimental effect.”