NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 9 September 2009 T IN THE PARK: “ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT SCOTLAND.” Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has criticised the British Medical Association’s (BMA) “draconian plans” for a ban on all alcohol advertising – including for sports and music sponsorship – which would mean the end of Tennents being able to sponsor T in the Park music festival. Instead of uncertainty over sponsorship, Murdo believes that music festivals such as T in the Park must be given encouragement and praise for their contribution to the Scottish music scene. Last year, when the SNP Government announced it was considering banning drinks companies from sponsoring music events, Murdo lodged a parliamentary motion condemning the plan. Commenting, Murdo said: “This draconian plan put forward by the BMA to ban alcohol sponsorship for music festivals and events is not the answer to sorting out Scotland’s drinking problem. These plans would affect a number of music festivals and events across Scotland, such as the world famous T in the Park and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. “We need to discuss and advocate practical policies which would address the underlying problem of drinking in Scotland, not go for the easy blanket approach which would only serve to create fresh new problems. “I believe that young people are intelligent enough to understand what corporate sponsorship is. Young people do not decide on whether or not to drink alcohol at a festival because the main sponsor is an alcohol company. T in the Park has done so much for the Scottish music scene, is one of the top highlights in many young Scots' calendars and has also pressed forward on green issues. T in the Park is one of the best things about Scotland and it is great that Kinross-shire is its home. “Music events and festivals need encouragement in Scotland, not uncertainty regarding whether or not important funding and sponsorship is available from drinks companies.” ENDS   back to top of page