No more half measures: Alcohol Focus Scotland’s manifesto for the 2026 Scottish elections
Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) have launched a new manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections, calling on the next elected parliament to rediscover Scotland’s leadership on preventing alcohol harm by committing to six key actions:
- Restricting alcohol marketing
- Introducing mandatory health warning labels
- Automatic uprating of the minimum unit price
- Licensing reform
- Expanding early detection of liver disease
- Greater investment in treatment and support.
Carolyn Lochhead, CEO at AFS, said: ‘In 2018, Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol: and it has saved hundreds of lives. But it was always intended to be part of a package of measures … We’re asking the next Scottish government to call time on the half measures and get serious about tackling alcohol harm – secure in the knowledge that the policies we are proposing are backed by robust international evidence and strong public support.’
How alcohol sports sponsorship advertising influences youth consumption
A new report from Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) describes how alcohol sports sports sponsorship exposes young people to significant levels of alcohol brand marketing, even in jurisdictions with advertising restrictions, by promoting 0% alternatives.
Indeed, recent research from the Univeristy of Stirling found that young people aged 11 to 17 are unable to distinguish between non-alcoholic products and traditional alcoholic beverages when these are promoted through sports sponsorship. This means that promoting alcohol-free or low-alcohol options simply serves to increase exposure to alcohol brands overall.
AAI and the Stirling research team are both calling for ‘watertight’ measures to end all types of alcohol sponsorship of sports.
Dr Richard Purves from the Institute for Social Marketing and Health at the University of Stirling, said: ‘Alcohol branding of major sporting events isn’t just background noise – it’s shaping young people’s attitudes and expectations from an early age in a way that parents and policymakers don’t always see … Without stronger regulation, [alcohol industry] strategies risk undermining efforts to protect young people from alcohol-related harm.’
Alcohol matters in general practice: podcast series
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) have released a new episode in the Conversations about Alcohol podcast series, a collaborative project with the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland.
In this episode, podcast host and GP Dr Rachel Phillips is joined by Maree Todd MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport.
In this powerful listen, Maree outlines her work to tackle the harms caused by alcohol and drugs in Scotland and reflects on her family’s experiences of problem alcohol use, offering hopeful stories of her mum and dad’s recoveries. To view all podcast episodes, plus other useful resources created by Dr Rachel Phillips, visit Alcohol Matters in General Practice page on SHAAP’s website.
Alcohol and Families Alliance roundtable on kinship care
Last month, the Alcohol and Families Alliance (AFA) hosted a roundtable event highlighting the challenges faced by kinship families affected by alcohol-related harm.
Representatives from member organisations attended, alongside the National Kinship Care Ambassador at the Department for Education, Jahnine Davis. Attendees discussed the current issues impacting these families and agreed to develop a joint policy position to strengthen campaigning efforts and improve the support available.
The AFA brings together charities, statutory bodies and academics to advocate for greater recognition, improved support and better services for families affected by alcohol harm through policy change. To find out more or to join the AFA, please email: admin@adfam.org.uk.
Nacoa deliver another letter to 10 Downing Street
Nacoa revisited 10 Downing Street in February to deliver another letter asking for dedicated support for children affected by their parent’s drinking. This follows another successful COA week and annual Stafford Ward lecture in The House of Commons.
In February 2022, the government confirmed the total abolishment of its briefly-lived strategy for children of alcohol-dependent parents, and Nacoa have been pushing for a reinstatement ever since.
Events
Dignity and choice: ensuring better end-of-life care for alcohol-dependent people
Alcohol Change UK
12 March 2026
Online
Addiction Innovation Exchange
Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber
12.30–2pm, 25 March 2026
Online
More information and registration
Alcohol research 2026: New thinking, new directions
New Directions in the Study of Alcohol group
6–7 October 2026
University of Stirling
More information coming soon
MCA Annual Symposium 2026
Medical Council on Alcohol
11 November 2026
Royal College of Physicians, London
