Mixed reaction to proposed drinks sponsorship ban

Doctors have welcomed Government plans to address alcohol misuse, but sports chiefs have warned removing sponsorship by drinks groups could leave huge funding shortages.

Ministers are finalising proposals to limit alcohol sponsorship of games, as well as plans to eliminate cheap alcohol sales by introducing minimum pricing.

The plans, drawn up by junior health minister Alex White, have been circulated to ministers and are expected to come back to the department next week before going before Cabinet by the end of the month.