Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

WSTA rejects calls for drinks ad restrictions

Published:  19 October, 2010

The trade has rejected calls from an alcohol charity for further restrictions on drinks advertising.

The trade has rejected calls from an alcohol charity for further restrictions on drinks advertising.

Alcohol Concern wants TV ads for alcohol banned before the 9pm watershed. The charity is also calling for a ban on alcohol ads in cinemas other than during 18-rated films and an end to alcohol sponsorship of sports and music events.

Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "Alcohol Concern's claim that advertising of alcohol leads to higher levels of drinking among under-18s is not supported by the evidence.

"In fact a recently concluded study led by Professor Gerard Hastings of Stirling University, a staunch critic of alcohol advertising, found no association between awareness of alcohol marketing at age 13 and either the onset of drinking or the amount consumed two years later."

He added: "The proposed restrictions would do nothing to address the root causes of alcohol misuse. The drinks industry is funding a number of major campaigns to change drinking patterns amongst young adults.

"We believe culture change is more likely to be achieved through long term education and tough enforcement."

Alcohol Concern said children as young as four watched alcohol ads from brands such as Stella Artois, Magners, Foster's, Carling and WKD during the World Cup.

According to the charity, 1.6 million children viewed three alcohol ads during England's game against Algeria and 1.4 million saw four alcohol ads during the game against the USA.

Keywords: