The Scotch whisky industry’s trade body is providing £300,000 over the next three years to help tackle underage drinking in Scotland.
The funds donated by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will go to one of the country’s Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP), a non-profit company that encourages responsible strategies among retailers and promotes positive activities for young people to help deter them from drinking.
A percentage of the funds will be used to educate children and parents via the CAP, which have a proven track record of reducing harmful drinking among children
Mark Kent, chief executive of the SWA, said: “The Scotch whisky industry is committed to promoting safe, responsible consumption of alcohol, and tackling underage drinking across the country.
“Our work with CAP will ensure that the funding provided by the industry is directed in the best and most effective way to address underage drinking in Scotland.”
“Our new partnership with Community Alcohol Partnerships will help to support delivery of this targeted intervention, marking an important and valuable development in the industry’s wider commitment to tackling alcohol harm.
Impact On The Whisky Industry
This latest initiative comes on the back of the Scottish government choosing to raise the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p in an effort to curb binge drinking. The move means the minimum price for a bottle of the spirit is set to increase by a whopping 30 per cent.
From a purely health perspective, all of these initiatives are great news. Alcohol abuse is a serious issue not just in Scotland but throughout many parts of the UK, so any measures that look to address that will be welcomed by most.
But as we operate in the domain of whisky cask ownership, it would be remiss of us not to consider the economic impact these measures may have.
In truth, it’s difficult to say right now. For those who have investments in a specific manufacturer or distillery, if their sales take a hit then it could well affect you too.
But keep in mind these measures are mainly designed to target the cheapest whisky and spirits. For those with investments in premium-quality whisky, none of this is likely to affect you.
Moreover, by actively participating in initiatives that focus on social responsibility such as this, the whisky industry demonstrates a commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the public.
This engagement can enhance the industry’s reputation, making it more appealing for some investors who value businesses actively contributing to the wellbeing of the communities they operate in.