Ban alcohol ads on receipts: Vic AMA

The Australian Medical Association wants a ban on alcohol advertising on supermarket receipts, saying it sends the wrong message to young people.

AMA Victorian president Dr Tony Bartone says it is now commonplace for supermarket receipts to have alcohol discounts printed on them, such as two-for-one wine offers.

"It is virtually impossible now to get a docket without that printed at the bottom," Dr Bartone said on Wednesday.

"Supermarket docket receipts are an inappropriate place to be advertising alcohol, especially to young people going in to make non-alcohol-related purchases."

The alcohol ad ban is part of the AMA's wish list issued ahead of the November 29 Victorian election.

The AMA also wants expanded health services in Melbourne's growth corridors, a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas and licensing for tobacco retailers.

It wants regular publishing of public hospital bed numbers and elective surgery waiting lists, to improve transparency.

It said better hospital to GP communication was also needed, as faxes were still widely used for sending medical records and test results.

Both major parties should also clearly commit to matching any reduction in federal funding for health, the AMA said.