The Scottish Government have launched a consultation on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland, with alcohol sponsorship in Scottish football potentially one of the targets.
As reported by STV, alcohol advertising could be banned from sporting events, billboards and buses under the plans, with the consultation set to close in March of next year for further review.
The Government say alcohol advertising is seen by large numbers of children and is linked to problematic drinking later in life.
The report states that alcohol-branded sports merchandise could also be banned, as well as advertising on pitch-side hoardings and perhaps even the ability of players and managers to appear in adverts online or on TV.
This could have big implications for Scottish football with a number of clubs in the Scottish Premiership having alcohol companies as official partners, including Celtic.
Cider brand Magners eventually gave up their front-of-shirt sponsorship at Celtic but remain one of the club’s ‘principal partners’ alongside Adidas and Dafabet, with their logo appearing on the back of the kit.
Wider across the division, six other clubs have agreements with alcohol companies and vodka producer Glen’s sponsors the leagues’ manager and player of the month awards.
Clearly, any ban would leave clubs seeking new sponsorship deals.
However, as always with a consultation process, there’s a long way to go before anything official is proposed. Right now, the government are taking in a wide range of views to consider the best way to proceed.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou delivers latest class Celtic vow that should leave support buzzing.
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