Scotland whisky tourism industry 'under threat' from alcohol advertising ban
dailyrecord.co.ukThe whisky tourism industry in Scotland is at risk from plans to ban alcohol advertising, industry leaders have warned.Gordon Morrison, the CEO of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, said that the proposals, which include the scrapping of sponsorship and memorabilia, could have a major impact on international tourism and rural communities.Experts said that other countries are envious of Scotland's whisky industry, and warned that Scotland could lose a significant part of its heritage and culture overnight.
They also said that the industry was a major economic asset, with alcohol firms sponsoring Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Book Festival, the Film Festival, and Scottish Ballet.It follows the news that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated that she would "consider carefully" a request from drinks companies to reconsider the proposed measures.The consultation, which runs until March 9, proposes a number of measures to try and tackle what it describes as Scotland's "troubled relationship with alcohol".
These could include banning adverts on billboards and in newspapers and magazines.It also proposes an end to merchandise with alcohol branding, which could see distilleries and breweries unable to sell t-shirts and glassware.
Additionally, it has suggested that drinks firms be banned from sponsoring sporting and cultural events.Mr Morrison commented: "The fact that you are effectively prohibiting the sale of any alcohol branded merchandise of any kind would impact many, many tourism businesses, not just the distilleries."The distilleries are often in parts of Scotland that are quite remote.
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