MPs to call for curbs on alcohol advertising to under 18s

A group of influential MPs is expected to call for a ban on alcohol advertising seen by under-18s in a bid to curb alcohol abuse among young people.

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According to reports, the cross-party Health Committee is pushing for a rule to stipulate that alcohol should not be advertised in any media where the audience is likely to contain a minimum of 10% of under-18s.

It is understood the suggestion will be included in a report due out next month that follows a seven month inquiry into alcohol misuse.

It is believed the Committee will also call for a ban on the sponsorship of music or sport events by alcohol brands when they are likely to be seen by an audience containing at least 10% of people too young to drink.

It is also understood the Committee will urge the Government to consider a minimum price, for example, 50p,per unit of alcohol in a bid to curb binge drinking.

The call mirrors those from the British Medical Association and the Scottish Government, both of which have called for minimum pricing. However, Gordon Brown and the Conservative Party oppose such as move.

The Committee’s report is also believed to criticise supermarkets for selling alcohol cheaply and calls for low-alcohol drinks to be taxed less to encourage consumption of low-strength wines and beers.

Reports say the 120-page report will be published on 7 January. A spokeswoman for the Committee declined to comment.