Stone raises a glass to Scottish Government U-turn on alcohol advertising ban

Far north MP Jamie Stone has praised the Scottish Government for backing down on plans to ban alcohol advertising.

The U-turn comes after warnings that the ban could put one of Scotland's proudest exports, Scotch whisky, at risk.

The ban was initially introduced in an effort to reduce alcohol abuse and underage drinking.

Mr Stone commented: "It is an honourable ambition to tackle alcohol abuse across Scotland, but I am glad to see that the Scottish Government has now caught up and understands that an all-out ban on advertising is not the way to do it.

"While I let out a sigh of relief that Humza Yousaf has U-turned on these disastrous plans, I do not feel reassured that the SNP has a grasp on one of Scotland's biggest and best industries. I was alarmed to see an SNP amendment to the Finance Bill which calls for a reversal on the increased duty to whisky – which I agree needs to be done – but fails to mention reversing the increased duty on gin.

"There are 108 gin distilleries across Scotland, serving around 70 per cent of the UK's gin. To throw this industry under the bus demonstrates nothing more to me than blustering incompetence."

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