Government's decision to delay alcohol health labelling is bowing to lobbyist influence

Rowing back on its own democratically introduced alcohol regulations shows a government in thrall to lobbyists with a clear agenda, writes Dr Sheila Gilheany, the CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland

The proposed labels provide basic information to consumers including that alcohol causes liver disease and fatal cancers as well as a warning about drinking in pregnancy; they also include details of calories, alcohol content and a link to a public health website. File picture

How are decisions made in government? One would hope that decision-makers would have access to facts and that this would form the basis of decision making. 

However, while officials are certainly in possession of the facts when it comes to alcohol harm, the basis of decision-making seems to rest with who has access to government.