DDN Magazine November 2020 | Page 5

News
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CAP consults on tighter gambling ad codes

The Committee of

Advertising Practice ( CAP ) has launched a public consultation on strengthening the UK Advertising Codes related to gambling . In particular , the CAP is looking at barring the use of celebrities or characters likely to be followed by , or ‘ appeal strongly ’ to , under-18s . This would have ‘ significant implications ’ for companies looking to use prominent sports figures or social media influencers to promote their brands , the committee states .
The proposals are designed to better protect children and vulnerable people from potential gambling-related harm , and have been developed partly in response to GambleAware research which found that even advertising that abides by the existing codes has ‘ more potential than previously understood ’ to have an adverse impact on young and vulnerable people . The All Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG ) for Gambling Related Harm recently called for a ban on all gambling advertising , while a report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee stated that oversight of the gambling industry by the Department for Digital , Culture , Media & Sport ( DCMS ) and the Gambling Commission was ‘ weak ’ and ‘ complacent ’ ( DDN , July / August , page 4 ).
Among the other proposals set out in the CAP consultation are a ‘ strong ’ test to identify content that would appeal to under-18s . While child-orientated content like superheroes or cartoon characters is already banned , the new regulations would be widened to cover characters ’ behaviour , language , clothing and appearance . Guidance would also be strengthened to prohibit the use of humour to play down gambling risks , ‘ unrealistic ’
' Even advertising that abides by the existing codes has more potential than previously understood to have an adverse impact on young and vulnerable people .'
portrayals of winners , and the presentation of complex bets in a way that emphasises skill or intelligence to suggest ‘ a level of control over the bet that is unlikely to apply in practice ’.
Consultation at https :// www . asa . org . uk / resource / gambling-appealconsultation . html
Local News policinginsight . com
Controlled diversions West Midlands PCC David Jamieson is funding a new scheme to divert anyone caught for possession of a controlled substance away from the criminal justice system . The DIVERT pilot will see people attend drug outreach or education instead and not receive a criminal record .

Well aware Consumption clarification

THE THEME of this year ’ s Alcohol Awareness Week , which runs from 16-22 November , is alcohol and mental health , including ‘ the best ways to look after ourselves and those we love during a year of great change and uncertainty ’. Around one in four people in the UK experience mental health issues each year , with most unaware of the link between alcohol and poor mental health , say the week ’ s coordinators Alcohol Change UK . ‘ Alcohol harm can affect any one of us , from any walk of life . But with improved understanding , forward-thinking policy and better support and treatment we can change and save lives ,’ the organisation says .
More information at https :// alcoholchange . org . uk / getinvolved / campaigns / alcoholawareness-week-1
POLICE SCOTLAND have issued a statement following reports that Peter Krykant , who has been operating a mobile drug consumption van in Glasgow , had been arrested . ‘ A 43-yearold man was charged for obstructing police officers carrying out their duties in respect of the Misuse of Drugs Act ,’ said assistant chief constable for partnerships , prevention and community wellbeing , Gary Ritchie . ‘ He was not arrested and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course .’ Police Scotland ’ s drug strategy was ‘ based on principles of harm reduction ’ and focused on engaging with partners to ‘ ensure that those whose lives are affected by drug use receive the appropriate care from health and support services ’, he added .
‘ This situation is deeply regrettable and unnecessary ,’ the Scottish Drugs Forum commented . ‘ There has been little or no public , business or media complaint about the service provided . In other words , there is
Peter Krykant , who operates a mobile drug consumption van , was charged with obstructing police officers . Pic : www . dailyrecord . co . uk
no practical barrier to providing the service excepting the legal dilemma facing authorities in Scotland . A better equipped service staffed by medical professionals and integrated with other support and treatment services is a much preferable solution , and the only possible sustainable service solution in the long term .’
Virtual festivities Adfam ’ s traditional Christmas carol concert will be a virtual celebration this year , with supporters able to watch from the comfort of their homes . The event , on 9 December , will also feature celebrity guests reading winning competition entries . adfam . org . uk
Forward momentum Forward Leeds has created a new team of mental health professionals to work with people sleeping rough or facing homelessness . ‘ Many of the those living on the streets in Leeds have suffered multiple traumas in the past ,’ said operational manager Anne Hobbs .
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NOVEMBER 2020 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 5