Doctors urge stricter alcohol ad regulations

Health experts in Scotland have called for tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising in order to stem a “culture of excess”.

Doctors claim the NHS has been left to “pick up the pieces” of a “culture of excess” promoted alcohol and junk food brands

The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland has said the regulation of both alcohol and junk food advertising is “far too weak” in the country, contributing to the country’s obesity and drinking problems.

The association has therefore joined health bodies and the Scottish government to call for a ban on advertisements for junk food and alcohol before the 9pm watershed.

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Peter Bennie, chairman of the BMA Scotland, said:”The regulation of alcohol and junk food advertising in this country is far too weak, largely because these industries have been allowed to regulate themselves.

“Despite the serious health harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption and obesity in the UK, these industries use marketing to promote consumption of their products. The cost of alcohol to our society is significant and, inevitably, the NHS picks up the pieces.

“The UK government could take decisive action to change the culture of excess that the junk food and alcohol industry promotes, and tougher regulation of advertising would be a positive first step.”

Charity Alcohol Focus Scotland has also spoken out against the regulations, claiming that while alcohol advertising is prohibited during children’s television programmes, they are permitted “during early evening family viewing”.

However Scotland’s Conservative Party has called the recent suggestions, supported by the Scottish National Party (SNP), “brainless” ideas which are not “practical”.

Powers to implement stricter broadcast advertising regulations are not devolved in the UK, and remain under Westminster’s responsibility.

In December last year, Alcohol Concern urged for the regulation of alcohol marketing to be completely independent of the alcohol industry, since the sector “cannot be trusted” to promote responsible drinking.