The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association has expressed concern at today’s call by the Health Select Committee for further restrictions on the advertising of alcohol in cinemas.
The cinema industry supports the Government drive to encourage sensible drinking and feels that current regulations for advertising alcohol in cinemas are both proportionate and effective in assisting this goal.
Dee Davison, Senior Policy Executive at the CEA said:
‘We firmly believe that imposing further restrictions on alcohol advertising in cinemas will make little difference to public drinking habits, while at the same time making a significant dent in cinema revenues.
At a time when the cinema sector is making significant investment into digital technology to provide audiences with the best quality experience possible, it is not a moment to start chipping away at vital revenues that enable such cinema evolution. This is particularly critical for some of the CEA’s smaller members who often operate on very tight margins. More limitations on advertising could have a serious impact on their bottom line.’
The CEA has also expressed support for the statement made by the Advertising Association today in response to the Select Committee report, which further underlines the industry position.