WORLD BRIEFING / BRITAIN

British doctors called for a ban on alcohol advertisements, saying the move was necessary to challenge the nation’s dangerous drinking culture.

The British Medical Assn. argued in a report that a rapid increase in alcohol consumption among young Britons in recent years was being underpinned by “clever alcohol advertising” and that a prohibition on alcohol-related publicity was needed to help turn the situation around.

The group, which represents more than two-thirds of Britain’s practicing doctors, has lobbied for higher taxes and stricter regulation. Its new report calls for a ban on all alcohol advertisements.