In its report Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic the BMA recommended a ban on any advertising likely to be viewed by young people, either at cinemas or before 9pm on television.
Alcohol sponsorship at any sporting or entertainment event where children and young people could attend should also be banned, the report said.
The measures are seen as a crucial to halt a rise in alcohol related health problems, including among children
Latest figures show across England alcohol related hospital admissions of under 16's rose from 3,870 in 1995/96 to 5,280 in 2005/06. In Scotland 381 under 15's were treated in hospital for alcohol related problems in 2005/6
The BMA also warned children’s safety and wellbeing is at risk due to excessive alcohol consumption . BMA science and ethics head, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said: "As doctors we see first hand how alcohol misuse destroys lives. It causes family breakdowns, is a major factor in domestic violence, ruins job prospects, is often related to crime and disorderly behaviour and it kills.”
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