A Responsible Industry
We would like people to enjoy drinking Scotch Whisky, but it is important they do so responsibly. We want to be recognised as an industry leader in the promotion of responsible drinking and in our constructive engagement with national and international authorities to help reduce harmful drinking.
Responsible Drinking
Like any other form of alcohol, Scotch Whisky should be consumed in moderation. When consumed responsibly by adults, alcohol can be part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle and play a positive role in social occasions and celebrations.
Scotch Whisky Action Fund
In 2013, the SWA established a fund to tackle alcohol-related harm as an extension of our commitment to address harmful use of alcohol and promote responsible drinking.
Responsible Marketing
The Scotch Whisky industry takes very seriously its commitment to marketing its products to consumers in a responsible way. The industry has developed a Code of Practice setting out minimum standards for the marketing and promotion of Scotch Whisky brands in the UK and abroad.
Made to be Measured
Learn more about how Scotch Whisky is made to be measured, sipped and savoured responsibly.
news & commentary
Seven Projects Throughout Scotland Awarded Funding Totalling £100k To Help Tackle Alcohol Harm
Seven projects from across Scotland have been awarded a total of £100,000 in funding by the Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF)
Scottish Government to Support ‘Made to be Measured’ Campaign
Partnership working across key areas discussed in meeting between First Minister and industry leaders.
Scotch Whisky Action Fund Commits Over £115k of Support to Projects Across Scotland
The Scotch Whisky Action Fund has committed over £115k of support to projects tackling alcohol harm throughout Scotland, from Inverness to Galashiels.
Scotch Whisky Industry Revises Marketing Code of Practice
The SWA has published the 5th edition of its Code of Practice for the Responsible Marketing and Promotion of Scotch Whisky.
Aberdeen Safety Charity Supported with Further Year of Funding to Tackle Alcohol Misuse
The Scotch Whisky Action Fund has awarded continuity funding to Aberdeen safety charity Absafe.
Distillers Provide Over £46,000 to Support Grassroots Projects Tackling Alcohol Misuse
The Scotch Whisky Action Fund has announced its support for five projects in Scotland working to tackle the impact of alcohol misuse.
Commitment to Responsibility: SWA publishes revised Industry Marketing Code
The SWA has published the latest edition of its Code of Practice for Responsible Marketing.
Tackling racism and inequality
A statement from the SWA on tackling racism and inequality.
Complaint regarding responsible promotion of Scotch Whisky upheld
The Independent Complaints Panel has upheld a complaint against the Pure Scot brand.
publications
Code of Practice: 5th Edition
The Code of Practice covers all commercial communications by members. This includes advertising, promotional materials and sponsorship. The 5th edition was published in November 2022.
Code of Practice: 5th Edition
The Code of Practice covers all commercial communications by members. This includes advertising, promotional materials and sponsorship. The 5th edition was published in the autumn of 2022.
Scotch Whisky Action Fund: Bright Light Report
Find out more about projects the Scotch Whisky Action Fund helped to support.
Scotch Whisky Action Fund: 5 year Impact Report
Read more about the Scotch Whisky Action Fund's first five years.
Matured to be Enjoyed Responsibly - latest edition (July 2020)
This latest report is a snapshot of the activities being undertaken by the SWA and member companies to promote responsible consumption of alcohol, and supporting initiatives to tackle misuse.