Labour proposes ban on alcohol advertising in public places for Scotland
Labour, which opposes SNP plans for a minimum alcohol price in Scotland, has suggested a ban in alcohol advertising in public places, including billboards and bus shelters.
The party says the proposed bill, which would also include public transport and cinema ads for films under certificate 18, aims to stop retailers flaunting the new ban on bulk-buy promotions by closing down a loophole in the law.
Advertising for alcohol will still be allowed on TV, radio and at paid-for sporting events.
The proposal reads: “Such a ban would be aimed mainly at drinks manufacturers promoting their products, and would not affect the ability of retailers to advertise the fact that they sell alcoholic drinks. We will consider carefully other aspects of how such a ban should be defined, and would welcome consultees’ view, for example, on how far (if at all) it should allow advertising of products and services that are connected with an alcoholic product (e.g. through sponsorship).”
The bill also proposes to give local communities a greater say in licensing decisions, introduce a legal limit of 150 mg per litre of caffeine of pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, and evaluate and improve alcohol education and public information campaigns.
Alcohol image via Shutterstock