BARMY SNP bigwigs have stepped up their war on booze – with plans to ban alcohol-branded pint glasses, umbrellas and t-shirts.
Nats want to prevent bar staff from serving branded Tennent’s or Guinness glasses or wearing tops bearing brewery logos.
Sporting events would no longer be able to provide guests with branded umbrellas or merchandising, a common tactic used by booze firms.
Even Bailey’s-flavoured ice-cream could be for the chop if ministers get their way.
The plans are spelled out in a Government consultation designed to reduce children’s exposure to booze and protect problem drinkers.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said such adverts can ‘glamorise drinking’ and have a ‘detrimental impact on those in recovery from problem alcohol use’ – but critics queued up to slaughter the idea.
Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for Scottish Hospitality Group, said: “Where will this stop? It’s normal for bar staff to wear branded T-shirts and it can save advertising money for local brands.”
The Scotch Whisky Association said it shared ‘deep concerns’ about the ‘sweeping proposals’, and added: ‘The Scotch whisky industry has a robust marketing code which regulates how brands are advertised globally.
“We want to share the lessons of regulations already in place so there are no unintended consequences, including a reduction in the vital support the industry provides to communities.”
Football associations fear smaller, local teams might also lose vital sponsorship funding.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “Any legislation which seeks to cut off this important income stream, especially while we tackle such strong economic headwinds, would be most unwelcome.”
The Nats have already introduced minimum unit pricing in an effort to reduce alcohol consumption north of the Border.
It has already been revealed the consultation, which closes in March, could ban adverts on billboards, buses and taxis.
Conservative MSP Craig Hoy said: “The idea that bars would suddenly cast aside iconic Tennent’s glasses defies common sense.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government is determined to tackle Scotland’s problematic relationship with alcohol.
“The current wide-ranging consultation is an important step in doing that.”
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