Fake news is circulating on social medial which claims the 'N.H.S' has 'ordered' an alcohol ban with 'immediate' effect.
A post with an image of a faked document which says consuming alcohol in the UK is now banned has been shared more than 5,000 times on Facebook. Headlined 'Coronavirus: Public information', it features HM Government and NHS logos alongside a made-up order attributed to 'N.H.S' chief executive Simon Stevens, which wrongly claims the health service has banned drinking alcohol in the UK because booze 'lowers immunity' to coronavirus.
The post is fake. The NHS has not banned sale or consumption of alcohol. Neither has the Government.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes must stay shut, as the UK has been on 'lock down' since Monday March 23. But supermarkets and shops can still sell alcohol to be consumed at home, while there are also delivery services which are legally operating. Off licences are allowed to remain open during the lock down. No law has been introduced banning the consumption of alcohol.
Facebook says Reuters' fact checking team has proved the alcohol ban post is factually inaccurate.
The fake document says: “A strict ban of alcohol has been issued with immediate effect. Simon Stevens, chief executive of the N.H.S has ordered a ban on consumption of alcohol after his team have discovered that the toxin lowers immunity.
"This means that all sales have stopped from 29/03/2020. It falls under an emergency health legislation, which means that it is now illegal to purchase, sell and consume alcohol. Anyone caught breaching the new law will be severely sanctioned to protect everyone against the battle of Covid-19.”
The NHS' coronavirus guidance can be read here.
