House wine should be under 12.5% ABV, says government pledge

10 July 2014
House wine should be under 12.5% ABV, says government pledge

Pubs and bars are being encouraged to stock house wines that are less than 12.5% ABV, and promote lower alcohol options to customers, under a new government initiative.

Ministers met with drinks industry representatives yesterday to help pledge a number of measures to combat the UK's level of drink-related harm, which the Home Office estimates to cost £21b a year.

The move is part of the government's voluntary Public Health Responsibility Deal and its aim to increase responsible labelling, and to remove one billion units from the public's alcohol consumption.

The 12.5% ABV suggestion for house wine joins other pledges including a ban on super-strength canned products, and the responsible display and promotion of alcohol in shops and supermarkets.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "The new pledges will help people to drink responsibly and make healthier choices."

Home secretary Theresa May also welcomed the new measures. She said: "The government welcomes the progress the alcohol industry has made so far in responding to the challenge we set them. We now look forward to seeing the positive impact of these pledges and continuing to work with industry to explore what else can be done to tackle alcohol abuse."

The Caterer: "This is a suggestion; it's not as if there will be police coming in checking. Of course, the industry has already made significant steps, but this is just us trying to steer businesses forward without being heavy-handed."

May added: "It is right that the alcohol industry is taking action to help reduce [the £21b] burden, without penalising those that drink responsibly."

The Portman Group, which campaigns for responsible approach to alcohol, also welcomed the news.

Chief executive Henry Ashworth said: "UK drinks producers and retailers have a strong track record in delivering programmes of voluntary activity to support government in tackling anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol misuse."

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association and the British Beer and Pub Association also responded positively to the pledges, with each agreeing that the industry can work in partnership with the Government to tackle alcohol-related harm.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, said: "This package is another positive step for partnership working towards building a culture of responsible drinking in the UK."

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