Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential benefits of restricting alcohol marketing to reduce alcohol-related harm.

The government is committed to working with industry to address concerns over any irresponsible promotions, advertising, and marketing relating to alcohol, particularly to ensure that children and young people are suitably protected from harm.

Material in the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) Codes relating to the advertising and marketing of alcohol products is exceptionally robust, recognising the social imperative of ensuring that alcohol advertising is responsible and in particular that children and young people are suitably protected. If new evidence emerges that clearly highlights major problems with the existing Codes, then the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has a duty to revisit the Codes and take appropriate action.

Furthermore, the government continues to work with the Portman Group, the social responsibility body and regulator for alcohol labelling, packaging, and promotion in the UK. It operates its Codes of Practice to ensure that alcohol is marketed in a socially responsible way, only to those aged 18 and over, and in a way that does not appeal particularly to those who are vulnerable. The Codes are widely supported by the industry, with over 150 signatories including producers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and trade associations.