Gov set to consult on mandatory calorie labelling of alcohol

The government is reportedly set to launch a consultation into the mandatory calorie labelling of alcoholic beverages.

According to a report in The Sun, the government is drawing up plans to require pub chains with more than 250 staff to display calorie information on menus or pump labels.

Following a rise in obesity in the UK and a link to those who are overweight being at a greater risk from Covid-19, ministers are considering tougher anti-obesity measures.

In response, UKHospitality’s CEO Kate Nicholls, said: “If true, these proposals are absurd at a time when pubs and other hospitality businesses are struggling to survive.

“The last thing the sector needs after prolonged periods of forced closure is unnecessary red tape that creates yet more burdens for operators, who are simply desperate to get back to running their businesses.”

She added: “The labelling of food and drink is a complex area and we’d urge the Government to work closely with the industry on workable solutions that strike a balance between meeting public health objectives and not creating additional business burdens.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Proposals to force calorie labelling on pints sold in pubs are ludicrous – and especially outrageous at this difficult time.

“After more than a year of being forced to close fully or operate under severe loss-making restrictions, now is not the time to heap burdensome and expensive regulation on our pubs.”

She added: “Our pubs are on their knees and the Government already knows this. Calorie labelling would be kicking pubs and brewers when they are down.

“We have very serious concerns on the impact these proposals would have on the sector and on consumers.”