Cabinet to sign off on delayed alcohol strategy

The Government is due to sign off on its much-delayed national alcohol strategy next month.

Alex White, the junior health minister, yesterday said the strategy — which is expected to consider measures including minimum pricing and restrictions on sponsorship and marketing by drinks manufacturers — will be presented to Cabinet next month.

Mr White said that the Department of Health was close to finalising its action plan for tackling the problem of alcohol abuse in Ireland, but warned that it would include “some hard decisions”.