News

New Scotland Legislation Proposal Bans Alcohol Sponsors Of Music Events

A new piece of legislation proposed in Scotland would ban alcohol sponsorships and advertising on television, billboards, merchandise, and at public events like concerts or music festivals.

The new legislation intends to address alcohol-related issues that face Scotland’s communities by limiting the visibility of alcohol marketing for children and avoiding triggering heavy drinkers or those in recovery.

According to a Scottish Health survey, the percentage of hazardous or harmful levels of weekly alcohol consumption in 2021 was 23%, averaging from 31% for men and 16% for women.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government told Glasgow Times, “Reducing the exposure of children to alcohol promotion is a priority. There’s clear evidence which shows adverts glamorizing drinking can encourage young people to drink alcohol and can also have a detrimental impact on those in recovery from alcohol use.”

But the music industry is fighting back as DF Concert and Events, Scotland’s biggest live music promoter, warned the ban would “harm the Scottish economy, harm Scottish artists, harm Scottish businesses, reduce tourism and leave Scotland in a weakened position”.

They furthermore claimed that T in the Park, Scotland’s biggest festival held between 1994 and 2016, would not have been able to financially take place as it’s named after main sponsor and beer brand Tennent’s.

Two of the most prominent festivals in the United States, EDC and Coachella, both have alcohol brand-sponsored stages with Corona Electric Beach at EDC and Heineken House at Coachella, further emphasizing the tie between alcohol sponsorships and the live music industry.

To hear a debate on both sides of the alcohol advertising ban in Scotland, check out the video below:

Featured image from TNSMT Festival 

Written by
Danielle Levy

Danielle Levy is an MBA with a concentration in Corporate Social Responsibility. Danielle has several years of experience in the sustainability education world and has held various positions in human resources and intern management. Danielle is passionate about the ties between sustainability and social impact.

Related Articles

Skrillex
New MusicNews

Skrillex Drops Fourth Studio Album: ‘FUS’

Skrillex has dropped his latest album, F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR...

Skrillex
New MusicNews

Skrillex Surprises Fans: New Album Out Tomorrow

Sound the alarms: Skrillex is dropping his new album tomorrow, April 1....

Music FestivalsNew MusicNews

Subtronics Confirms New Album, Sets Release For EP, ‘Fibonacci Part 1: Oblivion’

Subtronics has set the release date for his new EP, Fibonacci Part...

Breakaway Arizona
Music FestivalsNews

Breakaway Arizona Taps Electronic Chart-Toppers For 2025 Phoenix Debut

Breakaway is bringing top-notch dance talent to its first-ever festival in Arizona...