Public shows support for mandatory drinks labelling
The Department of Health (DoH) looks set to introduce a mandatory labelling system for alcoholic drinks after a survey revealed strong public support for the measure.
A YouGov poll for the Faculty of Public Health found 82 per cent want drink producers to be forced to put unit information and calorie counts on bottles and cans.
However public appetite for a ban on supermarket booze deals appears small.
A DoH spokesman said the government wanted to "improve labelling so that people are more aware of the amounts of alcohol in different drinks".
A consultation on plans to improve information on drinks closed in May - and the spokesman added: "The responses to this exercise are now being analysed and we will set out our plans for next steps in the coming months."
The survey, contained in a report called 'Health Nudges: When the Public Wants Change and the Politicians Don't Know It', also found:
- 57 per cent support raising the minimum age for alcohol and tobacco sales to 21
- 49 per cent want all restaurants and cafes to print calorie, fat, salt and sugar information on menus
- 45 support a minimum price on alcohol
- 41 per cent want a ban on supermarket deals on alcohol, like "buy one, get one free"
Alan Maryon-Davis, co-author of the report, said: "We hope the government will take note of the public's call for action and their priorities signalled in this paper as well as consider history's lessons showing that personal responsibility, societal change and government action can combine to create the right levers for improving health."
The British Beer & Pub Association previously said a voluntary approach was the "best way" after a separate government study last year that found 91 per cent of beer cans and bottles already have unit information.
