New rules for the sale of alcohol in the Isle of Man

All shops selling alcohol on the Isle of Man have signed up to the code

Strict rules regulating how alcohol is displayed and sold in shops in the Isle of Man have come into force.

The new code of practice restricts the sale of alcohol to one area of each shop.

Signs saying: "This is an alcohol sales area. Please drink safely and in moderation, it could save your life" must be displayed in the alcohol zone.

All shops on the island have signed up to the code, which is voluntary, a government spokesman said.

'Groundbreaking agreement'

Adverts must be removed from shops and health leaflets are also being distributed.

Bill Malarkey MHK, who has responsibility for the chief minister's Drug and Alcohol Strategy, described the code as a "groundbreaking agreement".

He said: "It means the Isle of Man will benefit from carefully monitored alcohol sales areas without the need to impose legislation.

"It should not have any impact on people who want to purchase spirits, wine or beer responsibly but it means that people won't accidentally come across alcoholic drinks for sale when they weren't looking for them."