CHILDREN are exposed to “unacceptably high levels” of alcohol marketing through sports sponsorship and public adverts, according to a report.
Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) said there was “clear evidence” that exposure to alcohol marketing leads people to start drinking at a younger age, and the charity wants the Scottish Government to take action on advertising.
The group is calling for a ban on alcohol adverts in streets, sports grounds and public transport; alcohol sponsorship of sport, music and cultural events; and restrictions on adverts in newspapers and on social media.
AFS is also pressing the UK Government to restrict TV alcohol advertising, and limit cinema advertising to 18-certificate films.
Organisations including Children 1st, the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network and the medical Royal Colleges are supporting the AFS campaign.
The report – for which experts in alcohol marketing, legislation and public health were consulted – also recommended an independent taskforce outside the industry is set up.
Professor Gerard Hastings, part of the expert group, said: “Self-regulation does not work; it will not control dishonest banks, over-claiming MPs or profit-driven multinational drinks companies. Yet we continue to rely on it to protect our children from alcohol marketing.”
AFS chief executive Alison Douglas said: “An alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option, yet we allow alcohol companies to reach our children from a young age.
“They are seeing and hearing positive messages about alcohol when waiting for the school bus, watching the football, at the cinema or using social media.
“We hope ministers will respond to this report and the groundswell of support for effective alcohol marketing restrictions in Scotland.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here