Ban alcohol ads at children’s events, says BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland has backed proposals from a member’s bill at the Scottish Parliament which calls for alcohol advertising at events for children to be banned.
The bill aims to limit alcohol advertising near places used by childrenThe BMA is specifically backing the sections of the bill, introduced by the Labour MSP Dr Richard Simpson, which aims to limit alcohol advertising near places used by children – for example, schools – and also at children’s events.
In addition, the bill would limit alcohol advertising on all retail premises.
The chair of BMA Scotland, Dr Peter Bennie, told the BBC: “The alcohol industry’s sponsorship of entertainment or sporting events can see children become walking billboards for alcohol products, exposing them to alcohol brands while they are at an impressionable age.
“It should not be acceptable for the alcohol industry to sponsor and brand events that are aimed at under-18s and MSPs should use this opportunity to take action on alcohol advertising.”
The Alcohol Licensing, Public Health and Criminal Justice Scotland Bill, is currently in the first stage of passage, and will undergo examination by the Health and Sport Committee before it is considered.
Earlier this year a study claimed alcohol producers are using social media to “aggressively” target young consumers.
