SAIP Forum meeting 20 August 2026: Meeting Note

Drinkaware: Update

New strategy

The new strategy was published in June and runs to 2030.
The goals are to:
o   Reinforce moderation as the cultural norm
o   Provide people with guidance and the support they need to cut back
o   Working together to influence and accelerate shifts to moderation
The impact is to see two million fewer risky drinkers by 2030. The priority audience are adults drinking above the CMO guidelines, but who are not at the very highest risk of harm. Drinkaware reaches them through digital tools, behaviour change campaigns, trusted information, practical advice and local partnerships.
The strategy focuses on areas where Drinkaware can make the most distinctive contribution, particularly through prevention, behaviour change and partnership working. It was noted the strategy aligns with the Scottish Government’s new Alcohol and Drugs strategic plan.
Drinkaware App Campaign Scotland
Drinkaware will be running a winter 2026 MyDrinkaware App campaign launching in November. The My Drinkaware App is a drink-tracking app designed to help people track and reduce their alcohol consumption.
Building on the experience of previous campaigns, the 2026 Winter campaign will combine influencer partnerships with direct-to-consumer digital content to raise awareness and encourage downloads.
With SAIP investment Drinkaware will deliver a tailored element of the campaign in Scotland using bespoke digital assets, use 1-2 Scottish influencers and target promotion to Scottish audiences with the aim of increasing use of the app in Scotland.

Portman Alcohol Labelling Market Review 2026

The review of 500 products found near-universal compliance with Portman Group best practice on pregnancy warnings, unit information, Drinkaware messaging and Chief Medical Officers’ guidance.
There was also strong uptake of additional information, including calories, ingredients and QR codes.
The findings demonstrate the success of voluntary labelling initiatives, while the growing use of QR codes provides wider market precedent for an off-label solution for additional information.

National Organisation for FASD Just One Choice campaign

This is an evidence led campaign to reduce alcohol harm during pregnancy.
The campaign focusses on visible messaging in places where people socialise alongside staff training and a social media campaign.
A new social media initiative launches on 9 September, international FASD Awareness Day.
The presentation set out options of how the SAIP could get involved.
Following the meeting the SAIP agreed to support that campaign by sharing the social media assets on its channels and by contributing £5000 of funding.

Update on Scotland’s Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan

Regarding the alcohol harm prevention action plan, Ministers are still considering this and when to publish.
The SAIP will be updated on developments.
There will be cross ministerial consultation to agree the approach and way forward.