Some of the largest whisky and beer companies have united to demand that a proposed ban on alcohol advertising is scrapped. They say the move will “destroy Scotland’s drinks industry”.
Companies including Budweiser Brewing Group, Lanson Champagne, Diageo, Whyte & Mackay and Tennent’s Lager have signed an open letter to Holyrood ministers to urge them to abandon the plan, which at its most extreme would stop alcohol branding or advertising in public spaces or online.
The new policy would affect pubs, restaurants, delicatessens, off-licences, wine shops and single malt specialists.
The letter marks a new front in the campaign against the restrictions, which could also spell the end of drink companies’ sponsorship of sport and live events such as festivals.
The Scottish government’s consultation
