Alcohol Ltd Joins IPSO as a Regulated Publisher

Alcohol Ltd has joined the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) as a regulated publisher with effect from 9 June 2026. Confirmation was received from Rosemary Douce, IPSO’s Head of Standards and Regulation, in a letter addressed to Managing Director Stephen Grindley, who has been designated the company’s Responsible Person for IPSO-related matters.

Scope of regulation

Membership covers Alcohol Ltd’s editorial output across four publications: Alcohol.uk, Booze.co.uk, Bars.co.uk and Gin.uk. All four titles now sit within the scope of the largest editorial content regulator in the United Kingdom and operate under a common standards framework.

The Editors’ Code of Practice

As an IPSO member, Alcohol Ltd has formally agreed to uphold and maintain the Editors’ Code of Practice, the framework that governs professional standards for the UK’s print and digital news industry. The Code covers accuracy, the right of reply, privacy, harassment, intrusion into grief or shock, reporting on children, suicide, hospitals, confidential sources, financial journalism, and discrimination, among other areas. Editorial decision-making across the four regulated titles will be conducted in line with the Code.

The IPSO Mark

The official IPSO Regulated mark is now displayed on the alcohol.uk homepage and in the site footer, linking through to the complaints procedure as required by IPSO’s usage guidance. Equivalent placements will follow on the other regulated publications. The Mark signals to readers that the publication is subject to independent oversight and that an established route exists for raising editorial concerns.

How to make a complaint

Alcohol Ltd is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which regulates the UK’s print and digital news industry. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you believe we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please follow the steps set out in our complaints procedure. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, you can contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk.

Ongoing obligations

IPSO membership carries continuing compliance duties. Alcohol Ltd will submit an Annual Statement to IPSO reporting on its compliance process and approach to editorial standards. Where an online article that is the subject of a complaint is later amended, a copy of the original version will be retained for a minimum of four months from the date of the amendment, in line with the IPSO Board’s requirements. Editorial staff responsible for amendments are being briefed on these obligations.

Why this matters

Independent regulation reinforces the credibility of Alcohol Ltd’s editorial work in a sector that is increasingly subject to legislative, public health and trade-policy scrutiny. Industry analysis, briefings on Westminster developments and reporting on international trade only carry weight if readers, regulators and policymakers can trust the process behind them. Joining IPSO sets a transparent standard for that process, alongside the company’s existing ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 (UKAS) management system certifications and its registration with the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists.

Further information