Tighter regulations for drink adverts, say charity

Published on Thursday 9 July 2009 22:00

ALCOHOL should not be advertised on television before the 9pm watershed, a leading charity said today.

A large number of adverts for alcoholic drinks are shown before this time, when children are likely to be watching television, Alcohol Concern said.

A spokesman said: "Our research has shown a peak in alcohol advertising during the hours of 3pm and 5pm when there are obviously going to be lots of kids watching.

"Given the evidence with regard to the high level of drinking among minors in the UK, and the influence of alcohol advertising on young people, it is appropriate that the current rules should be tightened in order to protect children."

Under the current rules, alcohol adverts must not be aired if there are 20 per cent more children than the average proportion of children watching at one time.

A Committee of Advertising Practice (Cap) spokesman said: "If you're watching the seven o'clock news there can be alcohol advertising, but if you're watching The Simpsons or Ugly Betty, there can't, because lots of children tend to watch these shows."