Row continues over Scottish alcohol policies

The Scottish Labour Alcohol Commission’s rejection of the minimum pricing principle has received a somewhat mixed reaction from industry insiders.

While proposals to educate young Scots on the dangers of heavy drinking in an effort to tackle the culture of binge-drinking have been welcomed, there are concerns about some of the other proposals.

The body said Scottish ministers should lobby Westminster to review taxation levels and ban the sale of alcohol below cost, a technique employed by supermarkets to increase custom.
 
The commission also called for a ban on alcohol sponsorship, ending Tennent’s sponsorship of the Old Firm football teams and the T in the Park pop festival and Johnnie Walker’s support of the golf championship at Gleneagles.

It also said the Scottish parliament and other public bodies, such as councils and quangos, should set an example by banning alcohol at official functions.

Launching the report, Professor Sally Brown, the commission’s chair, said: “We need a broad-based, coherent and effective strategy that recognises the complexities of the difficulties we face.

“There is no silver bullet that will provide a quick fix. The commission was repeatedly told that it will be difficult to change Scotland’s culture in relation to alcohol, but it can be done.”

The proposals were naturally met with derision by alcohol firms who use big events to promote their brand.

A Tennent’s spokesman said: "The commission’s proposals on sponsorship would appear to put at risk a range of Scottish cultural and sporting events, through the loss of much-needed financial support.

“Such proposals would be disproportionate as they would affect all responsible adult drinkers, drinks companies, and sponsored events – not just the irresponsible minority."

Gavin Partington, head of communications at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, added his voice to the criticisms, saying: "We welcome the commission’s recognition that changing Scotland’s culture in relation to alcohol requires an emphasis on education, community action and collaboration at local level.

"The commission rightly recognises that there is no silver bullet to tackle alcohol misuse and that the proposal to introduce a minimum price for alcohol is flawed.

"However it is misguided to propose a ban on alcohol advertising or sponsorship of sporting events. Such a move would threaten jobs and livelihoods across the media industry while doing nothing to tackle problem drinking."

Likewise the Scotch Whisky Association welcomed scepticism of a proposal to restrict alcohol sponsorship and advertising, saying such a move would damage local community groups, tourism, and important support for many cultural and sporting events.

Similarly, the association rejected claims that alcoholic drinks should not be served at Scottish government or parliamentary functions, saying that such events should be used as a showcase for premium Scottish products.

Alan Lodge, 01.09.2010