It is hoped that this may deter young people from drinking excessively. Complaints against three alcopops are upheld under the Portman Group code of practice. These drinks are all vodka-based drinks and the objections to them centre on their names, packaging and strength. Statistics show that alcopops are declining in popularity amongst young people. The new White Paper on licensing reforms includes measures to change the legal age for drinking alcohol on licensed premises and buying it off to 18 and to introduce new offences of buying alcohol for a person under 18 and knowingly permitting a sale to a person under 18 years.
People selling alcohol are also under an obligation to satisfy themselves about customers ages.
Alcohol Concern supports these measures. British Medical Journal , vol. Teenage drinking in 1994 . Health Education Authority. The Portman Group code of practice on the naming, packaging and merchandising of alcoholic drinks, April 1996 .