The drinks advertising ban which outlined plans to limit alcohol advertising including billboards and sponsorships for sports and music festivals, has been ‘returned to the drawing board,’ according to First Minister Humza Yousaf.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament this week, Mr. Yousaf said, “The aim of this consultation – to reduce the harm caused by alcohol to children – is admirable. I support it wholeheartedly. But it is clear that some of the proposals have caused real concern to an industry which is already facing challenges on multiple fronts.
“I believe that all of us want to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people but without undermining Scotland’s world-class drinks industry or tourism sector. I am hopeful that by taking a fresh look at this issue, we can find a way forward which achieves both of those aims.”
The consultation, first launched in January 2023, also suggested the possibility of in-store restrictions such as storing alcohol behind the counter, or in a cordoned-off area where products would not be visible up to a minimum height of 1.5 meters.
