A public health charity has urged Nicola Sturgeon’s successor to “stand firm” on banning alcohol advertising after Humza Yousaf promised to rip up current plans.
Dr Alastair MacGilchrist from the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems warned against “caving in” to “far-fetched claims” by industry on booze marketing curbs.
In an interview with the Record, Yousaf said he was in favour of scrapping a Government consultation which has considered banning alcohol sponsorship for sports and live events.
Critics fear a crackdown could see distilleries barred from selling branded merchandise to visitors.
The Health Secretary, who is up against Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and back bencher Ash Regan for the SNP leadership, told us:
“I’d be minded to withdraw it, but let me make it absolutely clear, with the absolute determination to bring that consultation forward, once again.”
He said he thought the Government should “push ahead with restrictions on alcohol advertising” but added:
“I see the damage that alcohol does to people’s health, but it’s clear that the current consultation is causing some degree of concern.”
“I think there’s often a lot of misinformation around particular issues that affect business and I think we’ve got to make sure that if we are producing a consultation that is ultimately going to affect business, we’re doing it in a way where we explain before the consultation goes out, what it is we’re trying to do.”
But the prospect of restarting the consultation has alarmed SHAAP, which campaigns against alcohol-related health damage.
MacGilchrist wrote: “The current consultation by the Scottish Government to restrict alcohol marketing has been met by industry hysteria, despite the fact that such restrictions are in place to varying degrees in most countries in Europe.
“When you think of France, which has alcohol marketing restrictions, you certainly don’t think of a country whose tourism and hospitality industries are struggling to attract customers.
“Could it be that the alcohol industry is getting so upset because marketing works? That it invests billions in marketing because it drives sales and consumption, and grows their profits?”
He added: “Whoever takes over from Nicola Sturgeon as Leader of the SNP and our First Minister has a decision to make. Do they cave in to the far-fetched claims being made that restricting marketing will decimate the drinks industry, or do they stand firm, and follow the evidence?
“Will our next First Minister put profits of the alcohol industry first, or the health of the people of Scotland first?”
Yousaf’s comments attracted criticism from parliamentarians across the political divide.
SNP MP Stewart McDonald tweeted: “I don’t like this at all. My instinct is probably against a wholesale ban on alcohol advertising, but to scrap the entire consultation is to throw the baby out with the bath water. We should have an evidence led policy debate, which we know Scotland is capable of.
“Industry obviously has its place in that debate but when public health professionals are telling us we need a broad discussion, let’s have that discussion. Attempts to suffocate it need to be resisted - especially when we’re just at consultation stage.
“I hope Humza will rethink this. If the problem here is a comms and framing issue - which seems to be the suggestion - then he undoubtedly has the ability to turn that round. But don’t scrap the consultation - it would be the wrong move and send the wrong message.”
Labour MSP Monica Lennon wrote: “A Health Secretary undermining proposals to curb alcohol advertising and promotion before the consultation ends is very disappointing.”
She urged Yousaf to “reflect” and make ”more considered remarks”, adding:
“I know that leadership contests demand ‘a new line’ every day but alcohol harm and resulting loss of life is far too serious for throwaway comments.”
Yousaf said: "I remain committed to taking action on inappropriate alcohol advertising where it does harm.
“It’s important that as part of that work that we make absolutely sure that we are listening to public health experts to deliver proposals that crucially address those harms and are also proportionate in terms of targeting harmful advertising.
“As I set out in the interview I don’t believe we have got this consultation right and if elected I will bring forward another consultation that is clearer in its aims.
“I am proud of the groundbreaking steps we have taken on minimum pricing and will continue with my commitment to reducing alcohol harms across the country.”
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