Pubs brew up a battle over plan to restrict alcohol advertising
Proposals for a ban on alcohol advertising are 'disproportionate, misguided and economically damaging' and will deter investment in the battered pub and beer industry, the sector's trade body has warned.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has cautioned that a ban on advertising alcohol, which is being considered by the government as part its ten-year plan for the NHS, would deter investment and growth 'and runs counter to the ambitions Labour has set for Britain'.
In a letter to Wes Streeting, the health secretary, the BBPA said that while it supports efforts to improve public health, the government's proposals to restrict alcohol advertising, 'particularly those modelled on junk food marketing rules, are disproportionate, misguided and economically damaging'.
• Government could ban alcohol adverts in ten-year plan for NHS
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the trade association, whose members brew more than 90 per cent of British beer and own over 20,000 pubs, said the proposals would 'push many businesses over the edge' in the sector, which has already been hit with soaring employment costs from October's budget as well as reductions in business rates relief and packaging reforms.
Nearly 300 pubs closed in England and Wales in 2024, equivalent to six a week, according to BBPA data.
'The proposed advertising restrictions would not only add further cost and complexity but also undermine the sector's ability to responsibly promote its products,' the letter said. 'The vast majority of alcohol consumers drink in moderation, and there is scant evidence that advertising bans reduce harmful consumption.'
The BBPA's letter was sent in response to numerous reports that proposals for an advertising ban are under consideration for publication next week as part of Streeting's pledge to shift the focus of the NHS 'from sickness to prevention' as part of efforts to improve care, cut waste and make the most of a £30 billion a year boost given to his department in this month's spending review.
• Alcohol labels should warn of cancer risk, urge health groups
Recent drafts of the ten-year plan are understood to have included plans for a Scottish-style minimum unit price, currently 65p, meaning a pint of beer cannot be sold for less than £1.50 or a bottle of vodka for less than £20.
On Thursday the government ruled out an outright ban on alcohol advertising. The Department of Heath and Social Care said the proposed ten-year plan 'will not include a ban on alcohol advertising' but it is 'exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with the advertising of unhealthy food'.
Last year the government announced plans to ban TV adverts for junk food before 9pm in an attempt to tackle childhood obesity.
The measures were set to be introduced in October but this has now been delayed until next year after ministers moved to amend the legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific HFSS products, which are classified as high in fat, salt or sugars, is not caught under the rules.
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