Crackdown on alcohol advertising a 'whitewash'

THE Department of Health's forthcoming crackdown on alcohol advertising was a "whitewash," an alcohol expert said yesterday.

Psychiatrist Dr Conor Farren said there needed to be a total ban on drink advertising and a ban on drink sponsorship at any sport or youth event.

"The Department of Health is due to publish a code of practice in the New Year about the regulation of drinks advertising and it is currently planning a whitewash, with no meaningful restrictions on current practices and no legislation to be forthcoming," he said.