§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the sale of alcoholic lemonade and other alcopops to under-age persons; what action he has taken or proposes to take; and if he will make a statement. [40678]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSince October 1994, we have received representations from eight Members of Parliament, and from eight other correspondents, about the subject of alcoholic lemonades and other designer alcoholic products.
Officials have been discussing with the Portman group and other Government Departments how we might best address the problem of the marketing and sale of designer alcoholic drinks apparently targeted at under 18-year-olds. It was agreed that the issue should be tackled in the wider context of under-age drinking generally. A direct outcome of these discussions was the voluntary code of practice launched by the Portman group in April which sets out guidelines on the naming, packaging and merchandising of these products. The code has the full support of the leading United Kingdom drinks companies and a number of major retailers.
According to the Portman group's first report on the operation of the code, which was published on 2 October, there have been 28 complaints about 21 products. Complaints were upheld on four. We will continue to monitor the progress of these guidelines over the coming months.
1136WThe Scottish Office is also considering the introduction of experimental schemes in selected areas of Scotland in which the police would work closely with the community in addressing the sale and supply of alcohol to those who are under-age. Details of this initiative will be announced in due course.