Scottish Government Targets Alcohol Ads as Death Toll Skyrockets!

By The Malketeer

In a stunning turn of events, the Scottish government is taking aim at the advertising industry as alcohol-related deaths reach a 15-year high.

Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray dropped this bombshell in a recent update, leaving marketers and advertisers scrambling.

The Sobering Stats

• Alcohol-related deaths in 2023: 1,277 (highest since 2008)
• Drug-related deaths in 2023: 1,172 (highest in Europe)
• Shocking 12% increase in drug deaths from 2022

Government’s Bold Move

The Scottish government isn’t just talking – they’re taking action:

1. Experts called in to evaluate public exposure to alcohol ads
2. Potential restrictions on alcohol advertising looming
3. Follows shelved plans to obscure alcohol bottles in shops

Industry Implications

This crackdown could have far-reaching consequences for:

• Alcohol brands
• Advertising agencies
• Media outlets
• Retail stores

Political Fallout

The opposition isn’t staying quiet:

• Conservative drugs spokeswoman Sue Webber slams the SNP’s approach
• Debate rages over prioritising decriminalisation and harm reduction vs. recovery

What’s Next?

As the Scottish Government reviews alcohol advertising, the industry holds its breath.

Will this be the end of booze ads as we know them? Or will creative marketers find a way to adapt?

After 20 years of evolving technology, shifting market trends, and adapting to changing consumer behaviour, the media landscape has nearly reached saturation.

We’ve optimised to the fullest, providing advertisers with abundant choices across technology, platforms, data-driven marketing, CTV, OTT, DOOH, influencer marketing, retail, etc.

Media specialists have diversified, but with more options comes the challenge of maintaining income growth. The industry is expanding, but revenue isn’t keeping pace.

Now, we’re at a TURNING POINT: time to explore and harness new sustainable revenue streams. While GroupM forecasts a 7.8% global ad revenue growth in 2024, challenges like antitrust regulation, AI and copyright issues, and platform bans persist.  

Collaboration is key: partnerships that thrive on synergy, shared values, and aligned goals are becoming increasingly essential.

Hence, the Malaysian Media Conference, in its 20th year, has assembled the partners and players under one roof on October 25 for a day of learning, sharing, and exploring.

 

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