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Call for alcohol advert restriction

22 August 2011

Health experts in Bolton are backing a campaign to restrict alcohol advertising in a bid to reduce the number of children harmed by underage drinking.

In 2008, there were 2,843 deaths among 15-24 year olds in England and Wales of which almost one in four (23%) was due to alcohol.

Evidence from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) shows that exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with young people starting drinking and increased consumption among those who already drink.

On September 9, a private member’s bill proposed by Dr Sarah Wollaston MP will be debated in Parliament, calling for restrictions on alcohol advertising in cinemas, on television and online.

Jan Hutchinson, Director of Public Health at NHS Bolton, said: “For too long children and young people have been bombarded by messages promoting alcohol.

“Action is needed now to stop the endless exposure of our children to alcohol marketing.

“Dr Wollaston’s proposals would mirror long-standing French legislation which allows advertising in newspapers, TV after 9pm, over-18 rated films, and stop online advertising ploys such as ‘advergames’, which disguise alcohol promotion.

“I would urge anyone who is concerned about this to write to their MP to encourage him or her to attend the second reading and support Dr Wollaston.

“The Our Life campaign has put a simple link on their website, which has a simple letter you can easily send to your MP, complete with their contact details. It only takes two minutes to do and can be found at www.ourlife.org.uk/action_on_alcohol_marketing”