More than seven in 10 key public workers in the North West have given their support to government plans for a blitz on excessive alcohol promotions.
Of the NHS, local authority and police workers questioned, 72% said they thought promotions such as all-you-can-drink offers and pouring drinks into customers’ mouths should be banned.
The Our Life poll, which relates to a proposed code of practice for alcohol retailers, found that seven in 10 participants backed plans to make smaller measures available, while 97% were in favour of free tap water in pubs and clubs.
The workers also gave support to plans for information on how many units are in a drink to be available, with 85% backing the proposal.
A nurse from Greater Manchester told the survey that treating alcohol-dependent patients and alcohol-related diseases took up a lot of time, while nurses often had to endure abuse from drunk patients.
Calum Irving, head of campaigns and advocacy for Our Life, said excessive alcohol promotions were causing stress for key workers in the region.
“The government should take note and resist pressure from the alcohol industry to ‘do nothing’ and implement a strong code of practice as soon as possible.”
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Do you agree that certain alcoholic drinks promotions should be banned? Your comments (terms and conditions apply):
“Yes, the ones that encourage excessive drinking” – Brendan Osborne, Brentwood
