Alcohol (Hansard, 21 July 2000)

§ Mr. Ben Chapman
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to increase the supervision of off-licences and other alcohol retailers, with particular reference to marketing and shop displays which promote the sale of high percentage volume beers, lagers and ciders; [131897]
(2) what plans he has to encourage the brewing industry, off-licence trade and other alcohol retailers to reduce the attractiveness of high percentage volume beers, lagers and ciders to under-age drinkers. [131934]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
In May 1997, a Ministerial Group, working closely with the Portman Group, was set up to examine problems surrounding the marketing of "alcopops" and other alcoholic drinks to people under 18. A statement of the Group's conclusions was published in July 1997, and placed in the Library. A range of new controls were added to the industry's Code of Practice, and these have had a significant impact on the merchandising and packaging of alcoholic drinks. The additional controls included:

appropriate names, packaging and promotion of alcoholic products;

avoiding artificially bright colours in either the product or the packaging;

ensuring that the taste and texture of products do not mislead about their true alcoholic nature;

ensuring that steps are taken to remind sales staff of their responsibilities;

ensuring that alcohol is made less accessible to children in shops;

ensuring proper staff training;

including suitable sanctions for breaches of the Code;

arranging pre-launch clearance of relevant products;

ensuring swift compliance with decisions of the independent panel; and

requiring compliance with the spirit as well as the letter of the Code.

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We have monitored progress on the industry's approach to protecting young people. The number of complaints made under the new Code has continued to reduce. Where complaints have been made and upheld, swift compliance with the independent panel's decisions has become the norm. We shall continue to monitor progress both in respect of all alcoholic drinks, including those of high strength.
In addition, the White Paper "Time for Reform: Proposals for the Modernisation of Our Licensing Laws" published on 10 April this year, set out proposals for a new positive duty on licensees not to sell to minors, arrangements for test purchasing and tougher sanctions against those who breach these laws.

§ Mr. Ben Chapman
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures(a) are currently in place and (b) his Department is evaluating to prevent adults purchasing alcoholic drinks for consumption by under-18s. [131936]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
It is an offence under section 169(3) of the Licensing Act 1964 for any person to buy, or attempt to buy, intoxicating liquor for consumption in a bar in licensed premises by a person under 18. This offence does not extend to purchases made by adults in off-licences on behalf of minors. The Private Member's Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Mr. Truswell), the Licensing (Young Persons) Bill, which was successful at Second Reading in the House of Lords on 14 July, would create a new offence of buying alcohol in off-licences on behalf of minors. The Government have given their full support to this Bill. In the White Paper, "Time for Reform: Proposals for the Modernisation of our Licensing Laws" published on 10 April this year, we have made clear that if my hon. Friend's Bill is not successful, we shall introduce this measure in a Bill reforming licensing law generally.