The Government repeats calls for alcohol danger ads

The Government has repeated its calls to the drinks industry to advertise the dangers of alcohol or face further restrictions. The warning comes in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s report on the impact of the Licensing Act 2003 published today (March 4).

Culture secretary Andy Burnham (pictured) says it would “welcome industry consideration to giving much more prominence to clear information about the dangers of alcohol”.

He adds: “We will strongly encourage them to press on with trials to test their effectiveness. If we need to, we will consider more restrictions.”

He says that the real cost of alcohol has fallen to historically low levels, and there is already an emerging consensus that more needs to be done to tackle irresponsible promotions and deep discounting that can lead to anti social behaviour.

The Government will begin immediate work with the licensing authorities and retailers, including the development of new codes on responsible sales and promotions, which might be considered as a condition of an alcohol licence.

Meanwhile, to tackle wider anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol consumption, the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith will bring forward legislation to increase the maximum fine for anyone not obeying an instruction to stop drinking, or to give up a drink in a designated public place from £500 to £2,500.