Ireland wants changes to alcohol advertising laws

THE Government has lost the first round in its battle to control alcohol advertising by foreign TV channels beaming into Irish homes.

The rules governing product placement and advertising on TV throughout the EU are being revised and Ireland wants to change some of them to take account of digital television.

Drink and advertising companies and TV channels abide by a voluntary code limiting adverts promoting alcohol. This is under review and the Government is expected to propose a total ban on such advertising.