Doctors back calls for minimum pricing on alcohol products

A doctors’ group has backed Dáil calls to impose a minimum price on all alcohol products and a de facto ban on TV advertising for the items during sports events, saying the moves are vital if Ireland is to finally tackle its binge drinking culture.

The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI) made the comments after the Oireachtas health committee published a report seeking immediate introduction of the measures to address the long-standing issue.

In a lengthy document revealed in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, the cross-party Dáil group called for a series of changes relating to the sale of alcohol, including:

• The introduction of minimum pricing legislation, meaning wine cannot be sold for less than €8 a bottle, beer for less than €2 a 500ml bottle and spirits for less than €24;
• The banning of alcohol advertisements on TV programmes, except when less than 10% of a show’s audience is under the age of 18;
• That health warnings, similar to those on cigarettes, be placed on all alcohol products to highlight the impact of long-term drinking on the body;
• That calorie details be prominently displayed on all products;
• That alcohol producers be hit with a social responsibility levy in order to force prices higher and make it less likely for people to purchase items.

The recommendations hold no legal power unless acted on by Health Minister Leo Varadkar, but vintners groups have been critical.

However, RCPI president Frank Murray said the measures are key to prevent binge-drinking damage.

“We now consume twice as much as we did 50 years ago. Sadly, 88 people die every month in Ireland as a result of alcohol use,” said Prof Murray. “Addressing the price and availability of alcohol is necessary to reduce the harm and death.”