Alcohol Adverts At Kids' Events 'Should Be Banned'

Doctors are calling on Holyrood to ban alcohol advertising at events aimed at children.

The BMA in Scotland's calling for kids to be protected from the influence of adverts, ahead of a Parliamentary debate this afternoon. £800m is spent every year by drinks companies on promotion and sponsorship.

Around 1 in 20 deaths in Scotland can be attibuted to alcohol.

Chair of BMA Scotland Dr Peter Bennie said:

"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. 

"This debate is also a timely reminder that three years on from the Scottish Parliament legislating for minimum unit pricing, the alcohol industry continues to delay its implementation through the courts. It is long past time for these delaying tactics to end and for the policy to be introduced. As the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the progress that has been made on changing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol, we would encourage MSPs to use this opportunity to focus again on the comprehensive alcohol strategy that Scotland needs."