SPECTRUM submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on alcohol advertising and promotion.
The Scottish Government should take action to restrict the marketing of unhealthy commodities where it can. For example, outdoor advertising (on billboards, bus stops), advertising on transport and sports and events sponsorship. Scotland should also seek to support new legislation to restrict the marketing of unhealthy products, like alcohol, at UK level, and push for the UK Government to go further wherever possible.
We recommend that a complete and comprehensive ban on alcohol marketing be introduced in Scotland. This is the simplest option for implementation and enforcement whilst protecting the majority of the population from exposure to alcohol marketing.
It is recommended that statutory regulation be implemented, as there is extensive research as to the ineffectiveness of self-regulatory and co-regulatory measures for regulating advertising of unhealthy commodities.
SPECTRUM consultation response: Alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland