The IPA (institute of Practitioners in Advertising) has welcomed the AA's response to the Alcohol Health Alliance's demand that "all alcohol advertising and sponsorship should be prohibited", in which it states it is unsupported by evidence and undermines constructive change.

The Alcohol Health Alliance – a group of 37 medical bodies, charities and alcohol health campaigners – is today (Friday, 5th September, 2014) holding a "National Day of Action", involving tweeting, writing to MPs and coordinating press coverage.

They claim that alcohol harm costs the British economy £21bn each year and are promoting a 10-point plan for inclusion in party manifestos.

The AHA's plan includes the demand that "All alcohol advertising and sponsorship should be prohibited".

In response, the Advertising Association has provided some key messages about advertising and alcohol harm, outlining why the AHA's evidence, in its view, doesn't stand up, including the following arguments:

  •   There is no evidence that advertising causes underage consumption or alcohol-related harm.

  •   Where the policy has been tried, it has failed.

  •   The vast majority of people drink responsibly and safely.

  •   Alcohol advertising and marketing in the UK is strictly regulated by the ASA and Portman Group.

  •   By almost every measure, drinking trends in the UK tell a positive story.

  •   View the full briefing document here.

  •   Paul Bainsfair, Director General of the IPA commented: "We very much support the AA's response to the AHA's 10-point plan and strongly urge our member agencies to read their guidance to equip themselves with the facts to counter these non-evidenced-based demands".