Introduction of health labelling on alcoholic drinks to be delayed until 2029

Warning labelling was due to come into effect from 2026, but will instead be delayed by three years

Senior Government sources have indicated the deferral will be agreed by Cabinet next week. File picture

The Government is set to delay the introduction of health warning labelling on alcoholic drinks until 2029.

Senior Government sources have indicated the deferral will be agreed by Cabinet next week.

Labelling warning of the links between alcohol and cancer and that it causes liver disease had been due to come into effect from May 2026.

Tánaiste Simon Harris previously indicated there would be a delay in the introduction of warning labels, amid concerns over tariffs on EU alcoholic drinks, while enterprise minister Peter Burke said this week that he backed a delay in the introduction of warning labels.

On Tuesday, Mr Harris sent a letter to members of the Government’s trade forum, citing previous discussions on the alcohol labelling policy.

“The Government will consider this matter next week. We are fully committed to the implementation of this public health policy. However, it is imposing costs on businesses at a time of great challenge and the Government is reflecting on that,” Mr Harris said.

Alcohol Action Ireland hit out at the plans for delay, and said it would mean the Taoiseach and health minister would be “turning their backs on public health”.

“It is bizarre that the Government should even contemplate delaying this measure, which has been in planning for years,” CEO Sheila Gilheany said.

“Indeed, multiple products are already for sale in Ireland with the labels in advance of them becoming compulsory by May 2026.

“Businesses in countries as diverse as Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain are now labelling their products in the entirely reasonable expectation that Ireland is implementing its stated law. They’re here, and the world hasn’t caved in like some would have us believe.” 

There had previously been criticism of the policy, with Ibec group Drinks Ireland previously describing the move as a “solo run” by the Government, with winemakers in other European countries hitting out at the Irish plans.

Laws providing for health warning labels were formally enacted in 2023, with then-health minister Stephen Donnelly shepherding through the reforms.

At the time, Mr Donnelly touted the reforms as being the first in the world, with a three-year lead in time before they took effect.

Labels would have also directed the consumer to the HSE website, askaboutalcohol.ie.

“This law is designed to give all of us, as consumers, a better understanding of the alcohol content and health risks associated with consuming alcohol," Mr Donnelly said at the time.

Last week, the HSE published research suggesting that only 38% of people living in Ireland are aware that alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer, which the Social Democrats said only re-emphasised the need to press ahead with labelling.

“It is counterintuitive for the government to be rowing back on this essential public health measure,” its health spokesperson Pádraig Rice said.