Health experts and MPs have advised that alcohol advertising must be restricted to reduce the “constant bombardment” at Christmas celebrations.
A report by the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), found that alcohol marketing at events could make it hard for people in recovery or who are addicted to drink, and can lead to relapse.
The report – No escape: How alcohol marketing preys on children and vulnerable people – also noted that children were regularly exposed to alcohol marketing.
A Cancer Research UK survey of over 2500 young adults found that 82% had been exposed to alcohol marketing during the month prior to the poll. This can lead to addiction or relapse.
AHA’s report on alcohol consumption at special events found that it made it more difficult for addicts or those in recovery to participate fully in daily life. This could lead to relapse. (stock photo)
Chairman of AHA Sir Ian Gilmore said that the Government should now impose comprehensive marketing restrictions on both digital and real-world spaces in order to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from harmful alcohol advertisements.
AHA represents over 60 non-governmental organizations and is urging the Government to urgently take action to prevent children from being exposed to alcohol marketing.
Health and Care Bill intends to place advertising restrictions, such as a 9pm watershed on TV for advertising of ‘less healthful food or drinks’ and a ban on online ads at the end 2022.
Alcohol is excluded from the plans.
Susan Laurie, a woman in recovery who spent seven years in rehab, stated that Christmas is when all the alcohol advertisements are constant. These ads convince us that alcohol plays an integral part in Christmas festivities.
“Supermarkets” will often offer discounts on alcohol or special offers to encourage customers to purchase more.
“Trying to keep sobriety at all times is hard, but Christmas is a time when alcohol is everywhere and can cause devastating consequences.
Christian Wakeford, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm said that “The current selfregulated alcohol marketing system fails to protect our children from alcohol advertising.”
AHA represents over 60 non-governmental organizations and is urging the Government to urgently take action to safeguard those who are in recovery as well as children from alcohol marketing. Stock image
“Restrictions on tobacco advertising are in effect for many years. Stricter requirements for junk food advertising have been suggested. As with alcohol, they can also cause health problems. This should not be the case with alcohol. To protect our most vulnerable citizens, we need to ensure that the alcohol marketing regulations are not tied to the industry.
Alex Norris, shadow public health secretary said that alcohol continues to harm too many people and families across the country. The report serves as another reminder of the need for us to take more steps to prevent and stop this kind of harm.
“With alcohol related deaths now at record levels, the Government needs to urgently implement preventative measures to lower harmful drinking. These should include strict controls on alcohol marketing as suggested by the World Health Organisation and this report.