Brits support ban on TV alcohol advertising before watershed

Group of friends toasting beer glasses at table in bar
Alcohol advertising could face restrictions under the Governments plans. (Getty Images)

Almost two-thirds (65%) of Brits support banning TV alcohol advertising before the 9pm watershed, a YouGov Poll has revealed.

The poll of 5,160 adults in Great Britain, conducted on 26th June 2025, found that out of those two-thirds who supported the move, 33% said they “strongly support” a ban, while 32% “somewhat support.”

It also found that one in five (20%) of those surveyed either “somewhat oppose” or “strongly oppose” the idea. While 15% of people said they “don’t know.”

However, support was less strong for an all-out ban on alcohol advertising online or on social media.

While overall 52% said they “strongly support” (28%) or “somewhat support” (24%) an online and social media ban, a third of people (32%) said they “somewhat oppose” or “strongly oppose” it. There were 16% who said they “don’t know”.

Among women, support was slightly stronger, with 57% in favour of the idea, compared to 47% of men.

The news comes as it has been mooted that the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) Ten Year Health Plan, which is due out this week, is considering plans for restrictions on alcohol advertising. It has been said that it is likely to be along the lines of the restrictions on junk food advertising, which have been introduced to curb childhood obesity. Under these restrictions junk food adverts on television will only be allowed past the 9pm watershed from October 2025. However, it is thought the Government is not considering an all-out advertising ban on alcohol.

This weekend the Government unveiled its plans to push food producers and retailers to encourage people to buy healthier food and drink to tackle the UK’s obesity epidemic. It is proposing mandatory reporting on healthy food sales as part of its plan.

In 2023, the GMB Union warned the Scottish Government to ditch plans to restrict alcohol marketing claiming it could have “unintended consequences” on jobs.

Further details will be made available when DHSC unveils the full plan.