The proposed ban on alcohol, regardless of its intentions, is misguided and would be devastating for the Events Industry, as well as some of Scotland’s proudest global companies. These brands work with events in a highly responsible way and, because of their support, these events are able to bring delight to millions of people. This ban would destroy large numbers of these events, leaving people out of work and the end of some really incredible events that Scotland has become known for. 

NOEA President, Tom Clements said, “Preventing alcohol advertising will not make a difference to the alcohol problems in Scotland, instead it will close down event & tourism businesses and cause job losses. It’s yet another example of the events industry being used as a scapegoat to a wider issue that can be solved in so many different ways. The Scottish Government know this, there is evidence for it, but sadly they aren’t addressing the real problem, and creating a brand new one instead.” 

 

The Scottish Tourism Alliance have written an open letter to Scottish Government to halt the proposed ban on alcohol advertising and promotion. They have released the following statement:

SCOTLAND’S TOURISM INDUSTRY MAKES UNANIMOUS CALL FOR NEW FIRST MINISTER TO HALT PROPOSED BAN ON ALCOHOL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), the acknowledged overarching trade body and voice for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry has today (Monday 27th February) published an open letter with a call for Scotland’s new First Minister to halt the Scottish Government’s proposed ban on alcohol advertising and promotion.27 organisations, representing all sectors across the industry, have backed a joint letter warning of grave implications for Scotland’s economy should the blanket ban on alcohol advertising and sponsorship go ahead.

Marc Crothall, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “The policy is ill-conceived, high risk and delivers self-inflicted damage to swathes of Scotland’s communities and the positioning of our country as a globally attractive visitor destination, through consequences we can only hope are unintended.”

Read the full letter here.