Industry warned of tougher action over binge drinking
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
The Government promised tougher action against the alcohol industry today unless it steps up efforts to encourage sensible drinking.
Research has shown the drinks trade is failing to adhere to its own voluntary code on providing alcohol unit information to consumers.
More than 10 years after industry and the Government agreed a way forward for clearer labelling, only 57 per cent of products contain details of the alcohol units in a drink.
Meanwhile, just 3 per cent of products contain all the information ministers want to see, including a warning to pregnant women to avoid alcohol.
The Government is considering banning happy hours, forcing pubs and clubs to serve drinks in smaller glasses as well as larger ones, and stopping off-licences and other retailers from displaying alcohol at checkouts.
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