Edinburgh
Scotch whiskey is Scotland’s national drink. Many visitors do not want to miss a taste. But now an advertising ban is planned. What does this mean for whiskey tourism in Scotland?
According to companies, the Scottish regional government’s plans for a far-reaching alcohol advertising ban threaten the tourism and whiskey industries.
The head of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, Gordon Morrison, recently told the Herald newspaper that the proposals would have immense consequences. “Effectively banning the sale of all alcohol-related items would impact a great many tourism businesses, not just distilleries,” Morrison said. On Friday, the Scotch Whiskey Association wanted to announce the whiskey export figures for the past year.
The proposals aim to end Scotland’s “deep, longstanding and troubled relationship with alcohol”. This involves a ban on advertising on billboards and in newspapers as well as a ban on alcohol-related merchandising. That would mean 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,” according to the Herald.
Union representative Morrison highlighted the role of whiskey tourism, which is estimated to contribute around £84m (€95m) 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 the Edinburgh regional parliament, spoke of “draconian” rules. “Not only will this cost jobs in Scotland, but it will also make 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 Great Britain, according to official figures, more people than ever before died as a result of heavy alcohol consumption in 2021, and the rate was highest in Scotland.
