The GMB has issued a statement warning that the “well intentioned” alcohol advertising ban will impact jobs and investment.
The biggest trade union in Scotland’s drinks manufacturing sector has said that the Scottish Government must ditch plans to restrict alcohol marketing and instead bring forward a national strategy for the future of jobs and investment with workers and employers.
The call comes from the GMB union, which represents thousands of workers in brewing, whisky, and spirits across Scotland, as the government’s Alcohol Advertising and Promotion consultation closes amid workforce concerns about the unintended consequences of reduced sales on existing employment levels across the sector.
GMB Scotland Organiser David Hume said, “While the consultation is well intentioned, an alcohol advertising ban will inevitably be detrimental to jobs across the sector and its supply chains.
“And in a cost-of-living crisis, workers in the real-world shouldn’t pay the price for the unintended consequences of decisions taken within the Holyrood bubble.
“Let’s be clear, the sector is a fundamental pillar of our economy and the jewel in the crown of our highly valuable food and drink sector – we cannot do without it.
“That’s why GMB is urging Ministers to scrap their proposals and work with employers and unions to bring forward a National Strategy to support the sector rather than restrict it.”
Today is the last day to have your voice heard. The consultation can be completed on the Scottish Government website here: https://consult.gov.scot/alcohol-policy/alcohol-advertising-and-promotion/
Or a response can be emailed to: alcoholmarketing@gov.scot (respondents who email don’t have to answer all questions or confirm their response to those questions, as long as a respondent information form is filled out and sent alongside). Form in this link https://consult.gov.scot/alcohol-policy/alcohol-advertising-and-promotion/supporting_documents/Respondent%20Information%20Form.doc