Alcohol Labelling Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision for the labelling of alcoholic beverages; and for connected purposes.

What this bill does

The Bill would require alcoholic drinks to be labelled with the following warning: GOVERNMENT WARNING: Avoid alcohol if pregnant or trying to conceive. The Bill would stipulate details on the size of the warning. Failure to comply would be a criminal offence.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

23 February 2009

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would require every alcoholic drink to carry an official warning about pregnancy and trying to conceive. It also sets rules on how large the warning should be and makes it a criminal offence not to comply. The aim is to inform consumers and reduce alcohol-related harm for pregnant people and those trying to conceive.

Key Points

All alcoholic beverages must carry a government warning about pregnancy and conceiving.
The size and presentation of the warning would be prescribed in the Bill.
Non-compliance would be a criminal offence.
Current status: Third Reading in the Lords; originated in the Lords, with potential move to the House of Commons if approved.

Progress

The Bill is at the Third Reading stage in the House of Lords. If it passes, it would move to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

Consumers of alcoholic beveragesAlcohol manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailersEnforcement and regulatory bodies (e.g., police, regulators)Public health organisations and professionals

Generated 21 February 2026