Scotland’s biggest live music promoter warns that alcohol sponsorship ban will be “disastrous” for industry
Scottish Government’s consultation on proposals to restrict alcohol advertising, TRSNMT and Glasgow Summer Sessions – both DF events – have been named as examples in the section about advertising and promotion at non-sporting events.However, the consultation states: “Although there is strong academic evidence looking at the nature and extent of sports sponsorship in Scotland, as well as the impact sports sponsorship has generally, the extent and impact of sponsorship of non-sporting events has not been researched.”DF chief executive Geoff Ellis has said that the changes would “harm the Scottish economy, harm Scottish artists, harm Scottish businesses, reduce tourism and leave Scotland in a weakened position.”He also added that there would likely be job losses, with ticket prices increasing and music fans heading south instead as a result.In a letter to Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Ellis wrote (via The Glasgow Times): “This letter is not intended to ignore or try to dismiss the fact that there are problem drinkers in Scotland. Rather, it is to implore the Scottish Government not to pursue the misguided proposal to ban all forms of alcohol marketing sponsorship.”He continued: “A proposed restriction on alcohol sponsorship and advertising will be nothing short of disastrous for Scotland’s live music industry.