According to a leak from the Department of Health & Social Care the UK could partially or completely ban alcohol advertising.
Sky News reported the NHS has a 10-year health plan which will be released next week, and part of the plan is to ban alcohol advertising.
This could have repercussions for the alcohol sector, although the ban has not been officially confirmed.
The Sun reported an industry source warned, “This will be a hammer blow to firms and there will be knock-on effects for struggling pubs.
Ministers must think of unintended consequences.”
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said, “This is nothing but nanny statism from an incompetent Labour government waging war on pubs. “This would be the final nail in the coffin for many.”
The British Beer and Pub Association said, “With over 80 per cent consuming alcohol within Government guidelines, any proposed measures must focus on helping the minority who drink at harmful levels.”
Another insider said: “This could also have a major impact on sports like rugby league which has a partnership with a beer firm.
“This will go down like a dodgy meat pie.”
The government said, “The ten-year health plan will not include a ban on alcohol advertising.
We are exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with advertising of unhealthy food.”
