Letter: Getting to grips with alcopops

Sir: The Portman Group - which is financed by the seven largest drinks companies in Britain - cannot "crack down on under-age drinking and alcopops" ("Brewers take a fresh look at the alcopops market", 8 August) because it simply has no powers to regulate the behaviour of errant drinks companies.

Its code of practice is purely voluntary and its so-called "sweeping powers" amount to little more than asking retailers not to stock products which offend against the code. If manufacturers and retailers choose to ignore these appeals to their better natures, they are at liberty to flout the Portman Group's code at will and without fear of facing penalties.

The only realistic way to get to grips with alcopops and loosen the hold they have gained amongst under-age drinkers is for the Government to introduce a statutory code of practice independent body which has real teeth and sanctions founded firmly in law.

MARY-ANN McKIBBEN

Assistant Director, Alcohol Concern

London SE1