T
he Government has launched a public session to hunt views on elevating the brink for describing a drink as “alcohol free” in a bid to encourage individuals to purchase the choice drinks.
Opinions might be sought on whether or not to label a drink “alcohol free” at 0.5% alcohol by quantity (ABV) – up from the present UK threshold of 0.05% – in step with different international locations together with the US, Germany and Australia , the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) mentioned.
The next threshold might see extra no and low-alcohol merchandise available on the market and encourage extra individuals to decide on the choice drinks, in response to the federal government division.
Our annual polling repeatedly reveals that these merchandise are already serving to UK customers reasonable their ingesting and keep away from harms resembling drink driving
“Low alcohol” refers to any product at 1.2% ABV or beneath.
The Health Survey for England 2021 discovered a fifth of adults at the moment drink above the low-risk tips of 14 models per week, which the DHSC described as “significantly increasing their risk of ill health, poorer quality of life, and even premature death”.
As a part of the session, the Government can also be scoping out views on measures it may take with the trade to forestall kids and younger individuals from accessing and consuming these merchandise, together with potential age restriction warnings on drinks.
Additionally, it will likely be in search of opinions on the best way to help these trying to reasonable their alcohol consumption, present them with larger alternative when searching for alternate options and whether or not to replace labelling tips.
Public well being minister Neil O’Brien mentioned: “No and low-alcohol drinks are getting more and more popular, and we are looking to further support their growth.
He added: “We want to encourage the growth of no and low-alcohol alternatives for those looking to moderate their alcohol intake.”
Industry leaders welcomed the session.
Matt Lambert, chief government of The Portman Group, which regulates alcohol advertising within the UK, mentioned: “We welcome the new consultation, which we hope will help result in greater clarity on labels and encourage further uptake of low and no-alcohol alternatives.
“Our annual polling repeatedly shows that these products are already helping UK consumers moderate their drinking and avoid harms such as drink driving.
“It is also an important opportunity to highlight the continued commitment of producers to market and sell these products responsibly to adult consumers.”
