Could stricter alcohol advert rules hit Moray whisky tourism?
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Views on the potential impact that stricter alcohol advertising rules might have on whisky tourism in Moray are being sought.
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on ways to improve public health by reducing the promotion of wines, beers and spirits.
Although recognising the impact of alcohol consumption, Sandy Keith wants to discover what the consequences would be for Moray's multi-million pound whisky sector.
The Moray councillor believes it would be valuable to get an insight from local distillers and businesses.
Cllr Keith (Elgin North, Labour) said: "This argument has two sides to it.
"However, there’s a £84 million whisky tourism sector in Scotland, and much of it is in this part of the world.
"The trade is suggesting it could have a huge impact on international tourism.
"It's certainly something they are worried about."
Cllr Keith was talking at yesterday's meeting of the council's economic development committee.
The committee's chairman, Marc Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative), said he would instruct officers to take soundings both from the local industry and from Moray Chamber of Commerce.
Moray council will then respond to the consultation.
In 2020 people in Scotland bought enough drink for everyone in the country over the age of 16 to have 18 units of alcohol a week.
By comparison, the UK chief medical officer’s low risk guideline is14 units a week.
In 2021 a total of 1245 Scots died from illnesses that can only be caused by alcohol consumption.
In addition, there were almost 700 alcohol-related hospital admissions every week over the course of the 2020/21 financial year.
The consultation will runs until March 9.
It can be accessed via the Scottish Government website.
