Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has called for urgent clarification from the Scottish Government on whether the understandable ban on cheap alcohol promotions also covers the promotional activity carried out by Scotch whisky distilleries.

Whisky industry representatives raised concerns that the free drams often offered at the end of distillery tours could be banned under the Scottish Government’s plans to tackle alcohol abuse.

A Scottish Government spokesperson has claimed that this practice at distilleries will not be affected by the alcohol plans.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“This must be a mistake. Surely the SNP is not trying to badge tourists and whisky enthusiasts as binge-drinkers?

“The Scottish Government’s spokesman’s comments are intriguing. The alcohol plan is clear: ‘this government will ban promotions in off-sales premises that offer alcohol free or at a reduced cost on the purchase of one or more products.’ I cannot see how distilleries, which are off-sales premises as they sell whisky directly, will escape these regulations.

“This sounds suspiciously like making policy on the hoof. I am disappointed that the Scottish Government left it to an official to calm the fears of one of Scotland’s key industries.”