Labour has called on the Government to give the Advertising Standards Agency the power to introduce tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising around local schools and colleges in Stockport.

Davenport and Cale Green Councillor Elise Wilson, who will propose a motion at the Council Meeting on 30th June, said ‘Stockport has a level of alcohol-related hospital admissions which is above the regional and national average, and this is something which is especially concerning for our 17 and 18 year olds.

‘Whilst I welcome a recent decline in the overall level of alcohol consumption amongst young people, it was important to hear the views of some local students on 13th April about the impact that excessive alcohol consumption can have on their lives and the lives of their peers.

‘That’s why I am campaigning for stronger action to be taken on alcohol advertising so that we don’t give mixed messages and that we compliment the education young people are receiving at school or college to allow them to make safer and healthier choices.’

A delegation of local young people from the Stockport Youth Partnership gave evidence to a meeting of the Council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on 13th April, outlining just how important promoting a responsible relationship with alcohol is.

New Executive Councillor for Health Tom McGee said ‘Stockport is significantly above the English average for under 18s being admitted to hospital for treatment related to alcohol, with 59.5 admissions per 10,000 compared to a national average of 36.6.

‘Reducing alcohol-related admissions is a priority for the Council and the NHS, and so one of the first things I have done as an Executive Councillor is to request a refresh of Stockport’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy to reduce these to the lowest level possible.

‘The Council is sending a positive message out about responsible drinking to young people.’

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) apply rules on alcohol advertising in the media which place an emphasis on protecting young people and ensure that adverts aren’t directed at people under 18 or contain anything that is likely to appeal to them.

Despite these rules strict rules on alcohol advertisement in the media, which were brought into force in 2005, widespread outdoor alcohol advertising remains, including near local schools and colleges.