Banning alcohol adverts will not stop Britain boozing Britain has a drinking problem. Almost 7,000 people die each year due to alcohol related illnesses. Many people drink more than the recommended guidelines suggest, risking serious health problems in the process, and it is not difficult to see groups of drunken people staggering out of nightclubs in the early hours of the morning. But what can be done? Well, a group of MPs on the Health Select Committee have proposed a ban on alcohol advertising and marketing as a means of tackling the "insidious and pervasive" health impact caused by alcohol abuse. Tighter regulation would echo France's Loi Evin policy, under which alcohol advertising on television and in cinemas is prohibited and the sponsorship of cultural and sporting events by alcohol companies is banned. I can understand the argument.The glamorisation of alcohol in advertisements may have a strong influence on young people, and change behaviour. Many adverts have previously been criticised for attempting to appeal to younger drinkers. Indeed, around £800 million is spent by drinks firms on advertising and sponsorship, which suggests that it is important. Some even argue that the sponsorship of sports by alcohol companies is sending the wrong message, as it implies a link between alcohol consumption and sporting prowess. However, the argument that an advertising ban on alcohol will significantly alleviate the problem is unconvincing. It implies that there is a direct and significant link between advertising and alcohol consumption, but is this truly the case? Britain's drinking culture is a societal issue, caused by a multitude of factors which cannot be solved with a simplistic ban on alcohol advertising. The fact that for many, a night out isn't complete without getting drunk coupled with a culture of cheap drinks contributes significantly to the excessive alcohol consumption that pervades society. The banning of alcohol advertising will not change this. Undoubtedly, more needs to be done to tackle the culture of boozing that affects society. Education is key to informing people about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption - for example, many people are still unsure as to what constitutes a safe drinking limit. Alcohol laws also need to be strongly enforced. But ultimately while a ban on alcohol advertising may be a step in recognising Britain's problem with drink, it is not the solution to the problem.