Alcohol consumption in the UK has increased rapidly in recent years, now doctors are calling time on all forms of alcohol advertising.<\/p>\n
In addition to a total ban, the British Medical Association is asking for an end to promotional happy hours and BOGOF deals.<\/p>\n
Head of BMA Science and Ethics,\u00a0 Dr Vivienne Nathanson said: \u201cOver the centuries alcohol has become established as the country\u2019s favourite drug. The reality is that young people are drinking more because the whole population is drinking more and our society is awash with pro-alcohol messaging and marketing. In treating this we need to look beyond young people and at society as a whole.\u201d
\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) found alcohol to be responsible for more than 60 related medical conditions and the leading risk factor for death and disability in developed countries after tobacco and blood pressure.<\/p>\n
Between 1992 and 2006, household expenditure on all alcoholic drinks increased by 81 per cent.
\nProfessor Gerard Hastings believes that never before has alcohol been so heavily promoted.<\/p>\n
He says: \u201cGiven the alcohol industry spends \u00a3800 million a year in promoting alcohol in the UK, it is no surprise that children and young people see it everywhere \u2013 on TV, in magazines, on billboards, as part of music festivals or football sponsorship deals, on internet pop-ups and on social networking sites. Given adolescents often dislike the taste of alcohol, new products like alcopops and toffee vodka, are developed and promoted as they have greater appeal to young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these promotional activities serve to normalise alcohol as an essential part of every day life. It is no surprise that young people are drawn to alcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n
A new BMA report, \u201cUnder the Influence\u201d renews the call for tough measures including minimum price per unit on alcoholic drinks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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