Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP announced today that the proposals relating to restrictions on alcohol advertising have been sent “back to the drawing board”.
The proposed measures included prohibiting window displays from being included within the permitted alcohol display area; limiting alcohol from being displayed in aisle-end displays; and limiting the display of alcohol similar to the restrictions applied to retailers for the display of tobacco products.
Yousaf made the announcement to review the proposals when setting out his government’s priorities for the next three years, claiming that he wanted to “reset” the relationship between business and government.
He said: “Businesses, and small businesses in particular, are the backbone of our economy and government support for business is essential for the delivery of a wellbeing economy.”
When discussing the Scottish government’s consultation on restrictions to alcohol advertising, he said: “The aim of this consultation to reduce the harm caused by alcohol to children is not just admirable, it’s one that I support wholeheartedly.
“But it’s clear that some of the proposals have caused real concern to an industry which is facing challenges on multiple fronts. I’ve therefore instructed my officials to take these ideas back to the drawing board, work with industry and of course crucially public health stakeholders, to agree a new set of proposals. I believe that all of us want to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people, but without undermining Scotland’s world class drinks industry or tourism sector.”
Members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) welcomed the news.
Hussan Lal, the Fed’s president in Scotland, said:“ We are pleased to hear that the First Minister has listened to the concerns of independent retailers and has taken the appropriate steps in dropping this consultation.
“Members are already facing enough financial strain with the rise of the cost of doing business and the growth of retail crime. Having to revamp our stores to put alcohol out of sight would be straining us even further.”
Fed members have previously spoken out about the dangers that this move would pose to retailers, with former Scottish president Ferhan Ashiq calling the plans “naïve and a failure waiting to happen”. He warned earlier this year: “With the high costs of energy and goods – coming on the back of the stresses for businesses during the pandemic - retailers don’t have the mental or financial capacity to deal with any further legislation. We are burnt out. Some of our members’ businesses may not survive this year.
“Independent retailers believe that the government should be tackling the issue of problem drinking through better health education and cultural change, not by penalising retailers who are trying to earn a living and providing a living for the people who work for us.”
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) had also previously highlighted how the proposed measures to restrict the advertising and promotion of alcohol in Scotland would disproportionately impact local shops, costing the country’s convenience sector £90m.
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