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FM’s ‘disappointing’ reply to concerns around alcohol ads during World Cup

At Tuesday’s First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Labour MSP Carol Mochan, raised a question about children and young people being exposed to alcohol marketing during major sporting events, including the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

The First Minister responded by referencing the alcohol industry’s responsible drinking messaging.

Commenting on the First Minister’s response, Carolyn Lochhead, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said, “Exposure to alcohol marketing causes young people to start drinking earlier, to drink more if they are already drinking, and to drink at heavy levels. So it’s disappointing that the First Minister’s main response to a question about alcohol marketing is to point to the alcohol industry as the solution.  Reducing young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing is a public health measure which will require strong, independent protections, not more industry self-regulation. We’ll be asking the government to act on this in the upcoming Programme for Government.”

In her question, Ms Mochan said that alcohol branding was being associated with national pride and sport and asked the First Minister what assessment had been made of the impact of these alcohol partnerships.

The First Minister said the Scottish Government engaged with stakeholders concerned about the issue and with the alcohol industry on responsible approaches to alcohol consumption.

Mr Swinney also said organisations such as the Scotch Whisky Association attached importance to promoting responsible drinking messages, enabling individuals exposed to alcohol marketing to make considered judgments about alcohol consumption.