11 hours ago
Labour considers stricter regulations on alcohol adverts
Ministers are considering putting an end to alcohol advertising.
The Government is examining the introduction of 'partial restrictions' which could include a ban on promoting booze before the 9pm watershed.
Health officials said they were 'exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with advertising of unhealthy food'.
This could mean that, as well as the 9pm watershed, there could be a total ban on online advertising of alcohol, including on social media and influencer marketing.
If the same terms are agreed as for junk food, it could also see alcohol advertising banned from any media where at least a quarter of the audience is under the age of 16.
It would also rule out adverts which appear aimed at under 18s, meaning the avoidance of youth slang or celebrity placements aimed at younger demographics.
Such 'content appeal' rules are currently only part of self-regulatory guidance.
Next week, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is due to launch a 10-year health plan, which will promise a shift to the prevention of health problems.
On Wednesday, Sky News reported that a draft of one section of the report set out plans to fully or partially ban alcohol advertising.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said that the plan would not include a full ban.
He said: 'We are exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with advertising of unhealthy food.'
Dr Richard Piper, the 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.'
He said the status quo, which includes 'our far weaker advertising regulations compared to other countries', isn't working and warned of '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 intended effect of glamorising and normalising alcohol, falsely suggesting it is 'essential' to our lives,' he added.
'Combined with wider measures to unlock better public health, reduce crime and strengthen our economy, we hope to see the 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.'
In January, Ireland introduced a ban on advertising of alcohol on television between 3am and 9pm.
In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for tighter restrictions on the marketing of alcohol, including advertising, sponsorship and promotions, in a bid to reduce harmful uses, particularly among young people.
Since then, a report by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) found that banning the advertising of alcohol would have little impact on its consumption.
The IEA found studies show 'advertising can increase the sale of individual brands' but 'does not increase aggregate sales of the type of product being advertised'.
