Government rules out ban on alcohol advertising
The Government has ruled out a ban on alcohol advertising in upcoming plans to improve the health of the nation.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it is 'exploring options for partial restrictions'.
Officials are finalising the 10-Year Health Plan, which is expected in the coming weeks.
A draft version of the document, seen by Sky News, implied a total or partial ban on adverts for alcohol has been considered.
However, a total ban has now been ruled out.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'The 10-Year Health Plan will not include a ban on alcohol advertising.
'We are exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with the advertising of unhealthy food.'
In 2024, the Government announced plans to ban TV adverts for junk food before 9pm from October, but this has since been delayed until the New Year.
Campaigners said a partial restriction on alcohol advertising is a 'real opportunity to move alcohol out of the spotlight'.
Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: 'We must face facts: alcohol is a leading health polluter in the UK, affecting the quality of life and health of millions, while cutting too many lives short.
'Despite total consumption going down, alcohol harm is still going up.
'The status quo, including our far weaker advertising regulations compared to other countries, isn't working.
'Alcohol is everywhere: from sponsorship of prime-time TV shows and sporting events, highly visible advertising as we travel to and from work or school, and incessant online marketing that is almost impossible to turn off.
'All the while, endless associations between alcohol and relaxing, socialising, celebrating or commiserating have the effect of glamorising and normalising alcohol, falsely suggesting it is 'essential' to our lives.
'Too many children and young people are exposed to alcohol advertising, especially through sports sponsorship and online.
'This is totally unacceptable, and the public strongly supports action to protect our children from these tactics so they can enjoy an alcohol-free childhood as they grow and develop.
'Our kids should no longer be the collateral damage of alcohol marketing.
'Combined with wider measures to unlock better public health, reduce crime and strengthen our economy, we hope to see Government's 10-Year Health Plan and Health Mission Board on Alcohol address out-of-control industry advertising.
'This is a real opportunity to move alcohol out of the spotlight and reduce harm for millions of people.'
A spokesperson for Portman Group, which represents the alcohol industry, said it is not in favour of 'broad, sweeping measures that impact that moderate majority whilst ignoring the needs of those who drink at the most harmful levels'.
Last month, it emerged that Government plans to ban TV advertising for products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) before 9pm have been delayed until January 2026.
Ministers moved to amend the legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific HFSS products, is not caught under the rules.
The ban was initially scheduled to come into force in October, and the likes of ITV, Channel 4, the Advertising Association and the British Retail Consortium have committed to complying with the restrictions from October 1.
The restrictions will legally take effect on January 5.
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