Alcohol Marketing During Six Nations Championship

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, Alcohol marketing during the 2020 Six Nations Championship: A frequency analysis, which was prepared for Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, the Institute of Alcohol Studies and Alcohol Action Ireland by the University of Stirling; notes that it highlights what it sees as the prevalence of alcohol advertising in sport; understands that it found that, in coverage of the 2020 Scotland v England Six Nations rugby match in Edinburgh, references to alcohol appeared several hundred times; is concerned that it is estimated that over 30 million children are likely to see and be influenced by alcohol advertising during tournaments such as the Six Nations, with an estimated audience of 125 million; understands that the alcohol industry's voluntary code of practice states that drinks companies must endeavour to ensure that at least 75% of the audience at such events is over 18; believes that children exposed to alcohol advertising are more likely to start drinking at a younger age and drink more heavily in later life; understands that, in 2020, 1,190 people died of a cause wholly attributable to alcohol; considers that it is incongruous to have alcohol associated with sport and physical activity, which it believes is one of the best things that people can do to help prevent many of the non-communicable diseases to which alcohol contributes; commends Scottish Women’s Football, which does not accept alcohol or gambling sponsors in recognition of what it considers is the need for young people to have positive role models and a healthier view of life; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to consult on potential alcohol advertising restrictions in 2022, and, as part of this consultation, encourages it to address what it believes is the anomaly of alcohol sponsorship of sport.