New deal over alcohol sponsorship

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The Scottish alcohol industry has signed up to new sponsorship guidelines in a bid to promote sensible drinking.

They will ensure alcohol brands are not used to sponsor teams, celebrities or events with particular appeal to under 18s.

They have also agreed that there will be responsible drinking messages at all places where alcohol is sold.

The guidelines have been drawn up by the Scottish Government and Alcohol Industry Partnership.

Distillers, brewers, and alcohol retailers in Scotland have also said they would include activities or events to promote responsible drinking in any new commercial sponsorship and conduct alcohol sampling at sponsored events in a responsible manner. We appreciate that the industry makes a significant contribution to the promotion of sports and the arts in Scotland, but this comes with responsibilities Shona RobinsonPublic Health Minister

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "The Scottish Government has always recognised that the alcohol industry has an important role to play in the drive to create a culture where responsible consumption of alcohol is the norm.

"We also appreciate that the industry makes a significant contribution to the promotion of sports and the arts in Scotland, but this comes with responsibilities."

George Kyle, head of sponsorship at Inbev UK, said: "Tennent's has maintained a role at the heart of Scottish football and music for the past 30 years and we are committed to promoting responsible drinking across the country in all of our activities.

"As a founding member of the Scottish Government and Alcohol Industry Partnership, Tennent's recognises its responsibilities and welcomes the new commercial sponsorship guidelines which reflect our own high standards.

"The launch of the new guidelines will further enhance Tennent's promotion of responsible alcohol consumption in all of our commitments including T in the Park and the Scotland national side."

'Industry's commitment'

Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith said: "The Scottish FA has worked with Scotland's alcohol industry for many years. Their input - both financial and in terms of schemes designed to promote health and activity among young people - has had a significant impact on our national sport.

"These new guidelines demonstrate the industry's commitment to Scottish society and sends out a clear message that they understand their role in helping to develop healthier, happier Scots."

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said: "Scotch whisky distillers are proud to make an important contribution to Scottish life through support of a wide range of local and national cultural and sporting events, including major initiatives such as Homecoming Scotland.

"We believe such activities can be used to extend the industry's commitment to tackling alcohol misuse. We welcome the new guidelines, which are in line with the commitment of distillers to uphold the highest standards of social and corporate responsibility in all their activities."

Last April, Old Firm sponsor Carling agreed to remove its logo from Rangers and Celtic children's football tops in a bid to promote responsible drinking.

The new guidelines ensure alcohol brands are not used to sponsor people under 18 or teams with particular appeal to under 18s, such as youth teams.