Current Campaigns

Raising the Bar

Greater corporate responsibility on the part of the drinks industry is vital if Britain is to move away from a culture of binge drinking and late night violence. Alcohol Concern’s new campaign, Raising the Bar, which we formally launched at this year’s annual conference, draws on work we have been doing for the last few years on the issue. With the government now reviewing both the impact of price and promotions on alcohol-related harm, and the extent to which the current regime of voluntary regulation is effective, there has never been a better time to argue for a more independent regulatory framework.

Over the coming year, Alcohol Concern will be pushing for government to adopt a number of new proposals to reduce the negative impact that the irresponsible promotion and sale of alcohol can have on those drinkers who cause themselves and those around them difficulty. We aim to use a combination of hard hitting reports, articles in the media, and briefings to government officials, backbench MPs and Ministers to build a greater consensus around the need for better regulation.

What are we asking for?

Alcohol Concern is calling for the drinks industry to implement the following proposals:

The end of Pre-Watershed TV Advertising:
We call on the industry to not advertise its products or sponsor programmes before the watershed. Our recent report Not In Front of the Children revealed a large spike in alcohol advertising between the hours of 3 and 5pm, suggesting that for many young people returning home school, alcohol advertising can be a common part of the viewing experience (available on AC’s website).

The end of deep discounting:
Cut price alcohol promotions from some of the UK’s leading supermarkets are putting teen drinkers at greater risk than ever. A new Alcohol Concern report, Cheap at twice the price: Young People, Purchasing Power and Alcohol provides an indication of just how much alcohol the average 12-16 year old can buy with their weekly pocket money (available on the website).

Independent regulation:
We believe that compliance with the various regulatory codes needs regular monitoring. This process should be transparent and rigorous. This could be achieved by giving responsibility for monitoring to an independent body. Using an independent body to monitor industry adherence to any standards has the advantage of being likely to ensure that the exercise is a rigorous and credible one.

Responsible premises management
It is wholly inadequate for pubs, bars and clubs to rely on public authorities to enforce rules to ensure such establishments are managed responsibly. Clearly public authorities have a duty to enforce the law, but the main onus for acting responsibly should lie with the premises themselves. There is much that pubs, bars and clubs can do to minimise binge-drinking and the violence and disorder that this can lead to. We challenge the industry to improve practice, by making food available, providing seating and ensuring that empty glasses and bottles are quickly cleared away. Implementing planned dispersal policies when pubs, bars and clubs close would also contribute significantly to reducing trouble as customers spill onto the street at the end of an evening.

The drinks industry has an opportunity to engage in achieving healthy outcomes and safer communities. This would also demonstrate the industry’s commitment to engaging with the alcohol harm reduction agenda. Adopting Alcohol Concern’s proposals would allow a win for both the drinks industry and for those committed to reducing alcohol harm. To be added to the mailing list for campaign related briefings, please email Frank Soodeen, Press and Parliamentary Officer on franks@alcoholconcern.org.uk

Please click here to open the article 'Time Gentlemen Please.

Please click here to access the presentation to the Department of Health