Government looks to new rules on alcohol promotions
The Government is to develop a code for the responsible sale and promotion of alcohol, following the publication today of its long-awaited review of the Licensing Act 2003. Controlling promotions such as buy-one-get-one-free and two-for-one offers could become part of a condition of an alcohol licence after the joint investigation by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Home Office. The Government is now waiting for the Department of Health to publish the results of a study that looks at the relation between alcohol price, promotion and harm before developing the code. It comes just a week after the British Medical Association called on the government to introduce legislation restricting drinks promotions. The pub trade itself has attacked the low-price of alcohol available in supermarkets claiming it is frustrating the on-trades efforts to promote responsible drinking.