Lanarkshire ginologist slams 'dystopian' government proposals to ban booze adverts

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Strathaven-based artisan drinks producer has branded Scottish Government proposals for a blanket ban on alcohol advertising as 'dystopian'.The proposed alcohol marketing consultation, brought forward by Maree Todd, MSP for Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, is seeking views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.Alcohol-related harm is one of the most pressing public health challenges faced in Scotland today.

The restriction of alcohol marketing is identified as one of the World Health Organisation’s most recommended cost-effective measures to prevent and reduce it.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android However, for Colin McLean, head ginologist at McLean's Gin, the plans "could not have come at a worse time" as the cost of living continues to bite.He said: "To effectively introduce a blanket ban on alcohol advertising and sponsorship could not have come at a worse time for our business, nor for the many thousands of hard-working people employed by our buoyant, world-leading drinks sector who are, at present, already facing deep anxieties about the future of their livelihoods. "As a small, artisan drinks business - one of several in the Clydesdale constituency who are already facing unprecedented pressures inflicted by the Coronavirus pandemic,