Drinks industry hits back at Government proposals

The alcohol industry has expressed outrage over the Government’s threat of further legislation on advertising and price promotion, without prior consultation or warning. The move to clamp down on the industry was announced on Tuesday as part of the Government’s National Alcohol Strategy.

The Government announced public consultation on the “need for a regulatory change in the future” if it finds “compelling evidence” that price promotion and advertising raises drinking problems.

The British Beer & Pub Association states: “We are disappointed the Government has chosen to develop this strategy without any effective consultation.”

Portman Group chief executive David Poley says: “There was no direct consultation on the specific contents of the strategy but we have ongoing dialogue with the Department of Health.”

The strategy was announced by Home Office minister Vernon Coaker and public health minister Caroline Flint earlier this week. It will ensure laws and licensing powers introduced to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder, protect young people and tackle irresponsibly managed premises are being used widely and effectively.

New advertising industry research has underlined the message that voluntary code changes are helping to reinforce the Government’s strategy on alcohol. It has been conducted by the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers, Advertising Association and Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.