The biggest trade union in Scotland’s drinks manufacturing sector has warned the Scottish Government it must “ditch” plans to restrict alcohol marketing and instead bring forward a national strategy to secure the future of jobs and investment in the sector.
As part of moves to reduce problematic drinking, the government in Scotland has been consulting on measures to restrict the advertising of beers, wines and spirits. In small shops, alcohol would have to be displayed out of sight, while larger stores would be forced to keep products containing alcohol away from entrances, exits and checkouts. Alcohol marketing and promotions would also be restricted, including bans on outdoor billboards and the phasing out of sports sponsorship in Scotland.
After the consultation ended yesterday, the GMB union, which represents thousands of workers in brewing, whisky, and spirits across Scotland, raised concerns about the unintended consequences of reduced sales on existing employment levels across the sector.
GMB Scotland Organiser David Hume said: “While the consultation is well-intentioned, an alcohol advertising ban will inevitably be detrimental to jobs across the sector and its supply chains.
“And in a cost-of-living crisis, workers in the real world shouldn’t pay the price for the unintended consequences of decisions taken within the Holyrood bubble.
“Let’s be clear, the sector is a fundamental pillar of our economy and the jewel in the crown of our highly valuable food and drink sector – we cannot do without it.
“That’s why GMB is urging Ministers to scrap their proposals and work with employers and unions to bring forward a National Strategy to support the sector rather than restrict it.”
