The Portman Group calls for final responses to alcohol consultation

Published: 24 January, 2012

The Portman Group urges people to submit their final responses regarding changes to the Code of Practice for responsible alcohol marketing, before January 31.

The aim of the consultation on the Code of Practice for the Responsible Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks, is to see if there are areas which need tightening up or extending within the self-regulatory framework.

The consultation is one of the pledges made by drinks producers under the Government's Responsibility Deal.

Henry Ashworth, chief executive Portman Group, said:"We are asking some big questions about the future of alcohol marketing regulation and we are keen for everyone who has an interest to get a response in to us.

"We want to make sure that the rules which apply to drinks producers marketing in the UK are of the highest standard and show how serious alcohol producers are about marketing their products responsibly."

When the Code review was announced last October, Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, said: "A lot of health problems are caused by people drinking too much. To tackle this we need to make real changes to the way alcohol is sold and consumed in this country. P

"Public health is everyone's business and I want to see the drinks industry having a serious look at how it can improve the nation's health.

"It is important that the alcohol industry markets their products responsibly. The Portman Group Code is well recognised as a good example of self-regulation and we welcome the timely review of these rules as part of the Responsibility Deal."

For a list of questions being asked and to download the consultation visit portmangroup.co.uk/?pid=1003&level=1

The Portman Group Code was first introduced in 1996 and governs all pre-packaged alcohol sold or marketed in the UK.

Printer friendly version