SCOTTISH ALCOHOL INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP APPOINTS FIRST CHAIRPERSON AT PIVOTAL MOMENT
Kieran Healey-Ryder, of whisky makers Whyte and Mackay, has been appointed the first chairperson, representing the alliance of distillers, brewers, retailers and hospitality venues.
“It is an honour to be appointed chair at this pivotal moment for the sector. We are fortunate to have a vibrant alcohol industry, raised in Scotland. It is a part of our national DNA.”
As a responsible industry we take our commitment to ensuring responsible drinking extremely seriously. This partnership has proven how together we can deliver impactful campaigns to tackle harmful drinking, and initiatives that promote responsible enjoyment.
I am looking forward to an opportunity to advance the work that we do, and to promote the positive contribution the Scottish Alcohol Industry makes at a local and national level.’
The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership membership is drawn from every aspect of the alcohol beverage sector in Scotland, and includes iconic producers, respected business owners and trade associations. In addition to engaging with Scottish Government regarding recent policy consultations, the Partnership continues to develop impactful public campaigns. In 2023 the Partnership delivered the second year of the national ‘It’ll Cost You’ National Campaign, designed to tackle youth disorder. Developed together with Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships, the successful campaign communicated the consequences of adults buying alcohol for minors.
Notes to Editors:
1. About the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership
The SAIP is a partnership of alcoholic beverage producers and representatives of the on-trade and off-trade in Scotland which includes:
Diageo, BII Scotland, National Association of Cidermakers, Molson Coors, TLT, Scottish Beer & Pub Association, Heineken, Bacardi, Pernod Ricard, The Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Wine & Spirits Trade Association, Scottish Retail Consortium, Whyte & MacKay, Scottish Grocers’ Federation and The Portman Group.
The Partnership provides a platform for the alcohol industry to promote responsible drinking and contribute towards tackling alcohol-related harm.
2. About It’ll Cost You! Campaign
The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, local authorities and alcohol producers and retailers and aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.
The programme aimed to raise awareness that for an adult purchasing alcohol on behalf of under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18. This is known as proxy purchase.
In a series of successful pilots by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership across Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow, results consistently showed a drop in street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Police Scotland analysts also reported that youth disorder incidents reduced by 10% in the North Lanarkshire pilot. The campaign also contributed to a 51% reduction of reports of children drinking on the street.