EC dismisses alcohol advertising ban
Plans for a proposed European-wide ban on alcohol advertising have been shelved, much to the relief of the UK drinks industry.
European Commission President Romano Prodi has allayed the fears of drinks companies by ruling out the possibility of what many had feared would be a major crackdown on the marketing and advertising of alcoholic drinks.
Speaking at a meeting of leading European publishers in Strasbourg last week, Mr Prodi dismissed suggestions that the EC intended to launch a major crackdown on drinks advertising.
A possible ban on drinks advertising had been widely mooted following rising concerns about underage alcohol consumption, binge drinking and the representation of women in advertising.
A spokesperson for Scottish Courage welcomed the decision: "We do not accept the need for statutory restrictions on advertising: voluntary codes in the UK work well with the full support of the industry and there is no evidence that laws like France's Loi Evin have any success in changing the behaviour of those who abuse alcohol.
"Most evidence suggests that advertising encourages people to switch brands rather than increase overall consumption . The vast majority of adults enjoy a drink and drink responsibly and we can see no no reason to deny companies the opportunity to advertise to this market." Mr Prodi's remarks will be especially welcomed by UK drinks companies who are awaiting the Government's National Alcohol Strategy report with baoted breath.
It is feared that the report, which is now due to be published early next year, will contain proposals for further curbs on drinks advertising such as government regulation, stricter checks and balances or, in a worst case scenario, an outright ban.
Related articles:
Drinks companies warned to tone down raunchy ads (29 August 2003)
Government could crack down on drinks advertising (20 August 2003)
BMA calls for ban on drink ads (3 July 2003)
Alcohol ads under scrutiny after tobacco advertising ban (26 February 2003)
