Scotland worried about whiskey tourism over plans to ban advertising The old role models (unfortunately) reappear in these 13 points about part-time work

According to companies, the Scottish regional government’s plans for a far-reaching ban on alcohol advertising threaten tourism and the whiskey industry.

The head of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, Gordon Morrison, recently told the Herald newspaper that the proposals would have huge implications. “Effectively banning the sale of all alcohol-related items would affect a wide range of tourism businesses, not just the distilleries,” Morrison said. On Friday, the Scotch Whiskey Association wanted to publish last year’s whiskey export figures.

The proposals aim to end Scotland’s “deep, longstanding and difficult relationship with alcohol”. It involves a ban on advertising on billboards and in newspapers and a ban on alcohol-related merchandising. That would mean that distilleries or pubs would no longer be allowed to sell t-shirts or glasses. “If all the measures under discussion become law, it could even mean that shops have to hide their alcohol,” the Herald said.

£84 million from whiskey tourism

Union representative Morrison underlined the role of whiskey tourism, which contributes an estimated £84 million a year. “The distilleries are often in parts of Scotland that are quite remote,” he said. “There is often nothing else to do there. They bring visitors to the communities.”

The Conservative Party, which is in opposition in Edinburgh’s regional parliament, spoke of “draconian” rules. “Not only is this costing jobs in Scotland, but it is also making it significantly more difficult for the industry to export to the EU and elsewhere,” said David Mundell MP in the British House of Commons.

In Britain, more people than ever died from heavy alcohol use in 2021, according to official figures, and the rate was highest in Scotland. (aeg/sda/dpa)