Mandatory regulation covering the sale & marketing of alcohol, including the design of its packaging, could be introduces as early as 2009, following a government consultation, the Department of Health has revealed. The proposed mandatory code would place restrictions on the sale and marketing of alcohol & could effectively duplicate the Portman Code of Practice on the naming, packaging & promotion of alcoholic drinks. David Poley, Portman Group CE, warned that "Any state duplication of the effective controls on drinks producers would be a complete waste of public money." He added that he is looking forward to consulting with the government and others on how industry standards could be raised further. The DoH commissioned the consultation, titled: Safe, Sensible & Social - Consultation on Further Action" in July. Public Health minister Dawn Primarolo said while some sectors of the drinks industry are following the voluntary codes, others are not. News of the government's move came as the Portman Group banned Shotpak, a vodka-based drink sold in plastic sachets.
