LT Consequences of booze ban explored by FSB
Following the First Minister’s resignation, attention has moved on to her successor and the burgeoning in-tray that awaits, writes David Richardson, the Federation of Small Businesses Highlands and Islands development manager.
Not least among the priorities demanding the new FM’s attention will be the controversial plans to curb alcohol promotion – the latest regulatory proposal from the Scottish Government would ban virtually all forms of alcohol marketing: advertising, sport and cultural event sponsorship, and the use of alcohol branding on merchandise, as well as imposing major restrictions on how alcohol brands are displayed in retail outlets.
Now, you might think that Scotland has a problem with alcohol and that desperate measures are called for, but the overwhelming majority of us drink responsibly and the situation amongst the young is improving, consumption by children aged 13-15 declining by 58 per cent since 2004.
So, what’s the problem with the Scottish Government’s proposals? First, changes like these are the last thing small businesses struggling with rising costs, tight margins and staffing shortages need. But there’s more, for the Scottish Government’s consultation states that, “without branding and other marketing strategies, alcohol products in each beverage sub-sector are essentially variations of the same thing”.
Really? Would distillers and brewers have devoted countless millions to building immensely positive, world famous brand identities that together provide Scotland with one of its most positive and evocative icons if this was the case? Of course not!
All of this is now threatened, and small businesses too. Add the seriously flawed Deposit and Return Scheme to the mix, and it’s no wonder unhappy Highland business owners say they will be forced to close.
Visit FSB Scotland’s website for a guide on how to respond and a link to the consultation www. fsb.org.uk/resources-page/ scottish-government-consultation-on-restricting-alcohol-advertising-and-promotion.html.
The consultation ends on Thursday March 9.