SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE DRINKS INDUSTRY

That this House notes with approval that in 2004 the Portman Group has achieved 100 per cent. compliance with the adjudications of its Independent Complaints Panel on complaints concerning the irresponsible naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks, in every case leading to the removal of offending products from the market or the introduction of changes to achieve compliance; further notes that, in the eight years since the introduction of its first Code of Practice, the Group has successfully removed or changed more than 70 non-compliance products; applauds the voluntary commitment of both manufacturers and retailers to ensuring the effectiveness of the Code; commends the Portman Group on its newly launched website www.drinkaware.co.uk, which provides helpful and accessible guidance for all on the sensible consumption of alcohol and the Government's safe drinking messages; and looks forward to the publication of the British Beer and Pub Association's new improved, Standards on Responsible Promotions and Retailing, expected early in 2005.