UKHospitality Scotland has warned that going ahead with the proposals would inflict significant financial pain on Scotland’s iconic hospitality sector.
In its response to the ‘Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion’ consultation, UKHospitality Scotland has outlined the harm the proposals would have on hospitality businesses, consumer choice and Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourist destination.
It said the proposals, if implemented, would:
- Dramatically increase costs for businesses and significantly impact trading, risking business failure and job losses.
- Lead to less choice for consumers, as a result of smaller, up and coming brands being unable to promote themselves and expand. This would also hit low- and no-alcohol drinks brands, which are becoming increasingly popular.
- Damage the tourist experience, where restrictions on promoting whisky would diminish hospitality experiences for visitors.
- Leave huge financial gaps for major and community sporting and music events, as a result of the impact on event sponsorship.