Former GAA President Says 'No Evidence' To Back Drinks Ad Ban

There is no scientific evidence to show that a ban on drinks sponsorship in sport will be beneficial, former GAA president Sean Kelly has said.

Kelly, a Fine Gael MEP, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the proposed ban is based on opinion rather than scientific evidence, adding that a ban would have a negative effect on sport in the long term.

Mr Kelley cited a similar ban in France as an example where, he says, the abuse of alcohol has increased, but has decreased in Ireland, adding that he found it "odd" that drink companies would be allowed to continue sponsoring cultural and arts events but not sporting.

(MH/IT)