Restrict promotion

The alcohol industry spends a massive £800m a year on marketing and hundreds of alcohol products are promoted in our region’s supermarkets every week.

Alcohol marketing is having a particularly detrimental impact on young people – research shows that it leads them to start drinking and encourages them to consume more once they’ve started.

When it comes to alcohol advertising, the UK is amongst the most relaxed in Europe in terms of regulation. This is particularly evident when compared to France and its Loi Evin, which prohibits direct or indirect advertising of alcoholic drinks on television and cinema, in stadiums, public and private sports grounds, swimming pools, competition areas and all areas used by youth associations for education. The Loi Evin bans any link between alcohol marketing and sports as well as alcohol marketing and youth.

We need to move towards something similar to the Loi Evin in the UK if we are to reduce consumption, particularly amongst young people, and reduce the harm it is causing.

We already know that two thirds of North Easterners realise there’s a problem and would support a ban on alcohol advertising before 9pm. Balance is currently running a campaign to do just this. Visit our campaigns section to find out more and get involved.

The facts:

• Just under half of North Easterners agree that alcohol advertising targets under 18s.

• Two thirds of North Easterners would support a ban on alcohol advertising before 9pm.

• Affordability, availability and promotion have made it normal to drink more than the recommended limits. Two in three North Easterners feel it is acceptable for a woman in her 20s or 30s to drink a bottle of wine when out with friends.

• The UK alcohol industry spends approximately £800 million a year on marketing to encourage consumption. Alcohol marketing communications have a powerful effect on young people and are independently linked with the onset, amount and continuance of their drinking.

• Alcohol companies are increasingly promoting their drinks across the diverse spectrum of online platforms.