Will there be a ban on alcohol adverts?
News of a potential prime-time ban on alcohol adverts circulated this week after proposals within part of a 10-year health plan were leaked.
According to reports via Sky News, the British government has been examining the introduction of “partial restrictions” which are said to include a ban on promoting alcoholic drinks before the 9pm watershed. However, if similar terms are agreed as have been for junk food, then the move could also potentially include advertising being banned from other media. This could mean a complete ban on alcohol advertising online, which could span social media and influencer marketing.
There is “remarkably little evidence” to support the view that alcohol advertising bans stop people from drinking, a report by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) previously found. Despite this, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority still recently reprimanded three major drinks companies for breaching alcohol advertising codes on social media. Each ruling highlighting the growing tension between digital marketing strategies and the ethical boundaries of responsible alcohol promotion.
Reports from the national press have also since cited industry sources warning of a backlash across the nation and pointed out that such a decision to ban alcohol advertising could be “a hammer blow to firms and there will be knock-on effects for struggling pubs” and that government ministers must really start to “think of unintended consequences”.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: “This is nothing but nanny statism” and added: “This would be the final nail in the coffin for many.”
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The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said: “With over 80% consuming alcohol within government guidelines, any proposed measures must focus on helping the minority who drink at harmful levels.”
Industry insiders told the British press that “this could also have a major impact on sports like rugby league which has a partnership with a beer firm”.
Despite concerns, last night, a Department for Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘The 10-year health plan will not include a ban on alcohol advertising” but admitted: “We are exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with advertising of unhealthy food.”
From October, junk food ads are set to be banned between 5.30pm and 9pm. Meanwhile, minimum pricing was also being mooted as a way to cut the bill for alcohol harm.
All will be revealed next week when the health secretary Wes Streeting launches the 10-year plan which promises to note a shift to assist in the prevention of health issues.
