Ireland: It could be another four years before laws for health warnings on booze products are enforced
Irish Mirror
By Ed Carty
September 9, 2016
Campaigners in Alcohol Ireland have urged the government to act straight away
It could be another four years before groundbreaking laws for health warnings to be slapped on booze products are enforced, it has emerged.
Campaigners in Alcohol Action Ireland urged the Government to press on with the radical overhaul of the sale and marketing of alcohol as they marked international awareness day for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
The group urged pregnant women to cut out alcohol completely, with heavy drinking by expectant mothers increasing the risk to a baby’s growth and of facial defects and life-long learning and behavioural problems.
Alcohol Action Ireland said less severe problems from drinking in pregnancy can leave babies looking healthy but with eyesight and hearing issues, problems paying attention and following simple directions.
Health warnings on beer, wine and spirits are one of the key planks of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, published last December.
But it is not expected to become law for another year and after that drinks firms will have another three years to comply with labelling.
Catherine Keane, head of policy and public affairs with the group, said: “The sooner it is implemented, the better it will be for everyone in Ireland in terms of reducing alcohol harm and the huge burden it places on individuals, families and communities.”
Alcohol Action Ireland said the labels will raise awareness about liver disease and cancer.
The size, shape and colour of warnings will be determined by the Health Minister but will show alcohol content in grammes, calories and that consumption is a risk during pregnancy.
Research published last year showed 82% of expectant mothers in Ireland drank alcohol while pregnant, including 45% who binge drank.
Dr Mary O’Mahony, specialist in public health medicine in the Health Service Executive, which backs the awareness day, said: “Pregnant women often receive conflicting advice about drinking alcohol during pregnancy, from a variety of different sources.
“However, pregnant women need to know that no amount of alcohol can be said to be safe during pregnancy.”
Ms Keane said the exact amount of alcohol required to damage the unborn child is subject to uncertainty but there is no known safe level of alcohol for pregnant mothers.
“There are no benefits for the unborn child from exposure to alcohol, just risks, and these risks increase in line with how much alcohol an expectant mother drinks,” she said.
“As there is no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, the safest thing to do is not drink at all, therefore ensuring the unborn child is completely protected from alcohol-related harm.”
The proposed legislation also contains a clause to ban drink ads on television and radio until the watershed, to set minimum prices and create separate spaces in shops for off-licences.
Ms Keane added: “This is simple but important information that should be provided on all alcohol products, but rarely is.”