HC Deb 26 June 1997 vol 296 cc606-7W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his policy towards the advertising of(a) alcohol and (b) alcopops on television. [5323]

Mr. Fisher

All television advertising must comply with the Code of Advertising Standards and Practice issued by the Independent Television Commission. Under the code, advertising for alcoholic drinks must not be directed at people under 18 or use treatments likely to be of particular appeal to them. It must not feature persons who appear to be under 18, nor any personality who has a particular appeal to that age group. Alcohol advertising must not suggest that drinking is essential to social success or acceptance, or an essential attribute of masculinity.

The Ministerial group on Alcopops will consider all aspects of the sale and promotion of these products, including whether anything further needs to be done to regulate their advertising.