Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has hailed new alcohol danger labelling as “a world first” that will in years to come be seen as revolutionary as the smoking ban.
But there has been a backlash from the drinks industry as far afield as the EU and the US with complaints on ‘free trade’ grounds lodged with the WTO (World Trade Organisation).
And at home, Drinks Industry Ireland accused the minister of acting out of a “zealotry” and “railroading through” the legislation which he signed yesterday.
READ MORE: Fans debate what Conor McGregor is doing with his hands during photo at Katie Taylor fight
The smoking ban in pubs was first introduced in Ireland by current Tanaiste, then health minister, Micheal Martin, in 2004.
It met fiery opposition from industry lobby groups at the time, but has since been copied in many countries all over the world and in hindsight has been viewed as a massive success.
Minister Donnelly claims that his moves to place warnings on alcohol bottles and posters in pubs showing the increased risks of drinkers liver disease and cancer, and the dangers of pregnant women drinking, will be “like the smoking ban.”
There will be a lead-in time up to 2026 to allow businesses to prepare for the changes.
However, Mr Donnelly and the Irish Government is facing stiff opposition from the well-resourced lobbyists of the drinks industry.
Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland, said, “Unfortunately this is an example of zealotry rather than evidence-based legislation.
“We would call on Government to urgently address these significant international concerns from the EU and beyond and explain why Ireland is going alone on alcohol labels at a time when harmonised labels are being planned across the EU.
“The Government have been staunch defenders of the harmonised EU market, but is now clearly causing unnecessary tensions with important trading partners.
“We do not need two labelling systems.
“The logic remains that Ireland works with the EU on its plans for a harmonised approach.”
Drinks Ireland also said that the legislation will have a significant negative impact on Irish producers not only reputationally but logistically and in terms of massive additional costs, in particular small breweries and distilleries, at a time when there are already massive external pressure from inflation and other issues.
Mr Donnelly said that he has no qualms about pressing ahead with warnings ahead of many other European countries who are still only considering the policy.
He said: “I make no apologies for making sure people in Ireland get access to the health warnings they need.”
Mr Donnelly added: “If the industry is saying, ‘will you wait a little bit longer,’ the answer is a flat no….my view is that people have a right to know and then they can make an informed choice.”
READ NEXT:
- Young man, 30s, opened up on the shocking moment he suffered huge stroke out of the blue
- Katie Taylor comes up just short against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin
- RTE's Maura Derrane looks stunning in bright summer dress - and it costs less than €50
- Dozens of motorcyclists gather to remember Longford crash victim
- Lotto results: Nearly 100 players take home hefty sum in Lotto Plus Raffle
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
