There are many studies that show that self-regulation
does not work. An independent review for the UK
government in 2008 of the voluntary social responsibility
standards in the production and sale of alcoholic
drinks identified many areas of poor practice frequently
used in clubs and bars for young people including
people who appear to be under 18 years frequently
being admitted to age-restricted venues in which they
cannot purchase alcohol legally, the promotion of
alcohol through low price offers, inducements by DJs
to consume greater quantities, and glamorization
through links with sexual imagery, encouragement to
drink more and faster through shots and shooters being
“downed in one,” sales to blatantly intoxicated people,
several health and safety issues inside bars and clubs –
for example, overcrowding, broken