Summary:
• Alcohol harm in Scotland is a public health emergency.
• Restricting alcohol marketing is one of the most effective ways of reducing consumption and related problems, with outdoor and public space advertising a key form of alcohol marketing.
• Alcohol marketing causes youth drinking and the inescapable nature of outdoor alcohol advertising causes difficulties to people in recovery.
• Other countries have banned alcohol companies from advertising in public spaces, such as Estonia, Finland, Lithuania and Sweden. Advertising restrictions in public spaces, such as on public transport, have been successful in reducing the consumption of other unhealthy products.
• The Alcohol Marketing Expert Network recommends restricting alcohol advertising in outdoor and public spaces as part of comprehensive alcohol marketing restrictions.