Breweries to be exempt from laws on alcohol advertising

DISTILLERIES and breweries will be exempt from laws targeting alcohol displays in shops, the Scottish Government said yesterday.

The move comes after industry fears that visitor attractions may suffer a knock-on effect of legislation aimed at reducing alcohol abuse.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "We are not anti-alcohol, but Scotland has got its relationship with the bottle out of kilter. It's not the drink, it's how we're drinking – we need to get things back in balance.

"Our regulations to prevent alcohol being displayed in more than one area of a shop were designed to prevent alcohol being displayed all over the store to encourage impulse buying.

"Clearly, alcohol sold at attractions to promote and increase understanding of the skill that goes into producing fine premium drinks such as malt whiskies doesn't fall into this category.

"That is why, when these unintended consequences were drawn to our attention, I was more than happy to look at the situation. I am now laying regulations in Parliament that mean these attractions can make sure their gift shops are able to continue to trade in a way which complements the rest of the experience."

He made the announcement during a visit to the Scottish Liqueur Centre, where he spoke of the government's "pride" in the industry.

Campbell Evans, of the Scotch Whisky Association, welcomed the decision.

"We have worked closely with the government to agree a pragmatic and workable solution so that visitor centres can continue to showcase Scotch whisky and a wide range of other local products," he said. "The revised regulations are a recognition that it is possible to tackle alcohol misuse, whilst avoiding unintended negative consequences for a key Scottish industry."