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Tougher laws for drinks industry could be imminent in the UK

Mandatory regulation and labelling could be on the cards for the UK alcohol industry following a major consultation about England's drinking culture, launched today by Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo.

The Department of Health consultation is published together with independent reviews showing that the drinks industry is not adhering to its own voluntary standards, and new evidence suggesting that alcohol is a far wider cause of damage to people's health than previously suspected. New calculations released put the cost of alcohol misuse to society at £17.7 billion to £25.1 billion per year, with a cost to the NHS of £2.7 billion.

The consultation proposals would mean that the current voluntary retailing code could become mandatory. This would mean retailers could have to:
• restrict the way alcohol is sold such as offering drinks in small as well as large glasses or measures - too often only one size is offered or a large is automatically given;
• restrict happy hours or irresponsible price based promotions - women 'drink for free' promotions are still all too common;
• display alcohol in off-licence premises in separate areas - no more displays by the checkout;
• give point of sale information eg. on units, allowing customers to make an informed choice; and
• train staff in shops and venues to recognise and refuse alcohol to underage or drunk customers.
Manufacturers will be given until the end of the year to put the required warnings and advice on bottles and cans. If not, Government will move to put a mandatory scheme in place. This would require health and unit information on all drinks containers.

Article published on 21/07/2008 by DryOutNow.com

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