‘Quick-fix’ alcohol warnings won’t work

Re: Industry pressure puts brakes on alcohol warning labels, Jan. 3.

Alcohol warning labels are back on the public agenda, with some calling for graphic, cigarettestyle warnings on alcohol bottles.

But the issue of graphic warning labels and their impact on public health must be put into proper perspective.

Alcohol warning labels epitomize a can’t-hurt, might-help, why-not approach to public policy that is both irresponsible and illogical. Good laws are driven by objectivity (evidenced-based), hard facts and realism — not flawed public policy, political expediency and emotion.

Proponents selectively point to “evidence” but ignore the big picture. The simple truth is that there is no compelling evidence showing that warning labels will have any effect in reducing the irresponsible use of beverage alcohol products. Several major research studies, including one by the World Health Organization (WHO), have concluded that labels have had no significant impact on consumption patterns in other jurisdictions around the world that mandate them.

The WHO study in 2003 study found that labels affected awareness and knowledge, but had no direct impact on consumption or alcohol-related problems.

Among youth, the warnings did not increase perceptions of alcohol risk, and may have even made the products more attractive to both drinkers and non-drinkers.

One survey on literacy in Canada revealed that 42 per cent of Canadian adults have low literacy. Warning labels may not even be read or understood by some of the at-risk groups. Literacy is an important limiting factor for labels.

Far too many Canadians lack the ability to both read and understand.

A quick-fix mentality pervades society. It affects personal expectations, business practices and public policy.

Unfortunately, quick fixes often sacrifice long-term progress for short-term actions, without doing anything to address the underlying causes. When it comes to public health and safety, quick-fix solutions — taken without proper consideration — usually create new problems. Emile Therien, public health and safety advocate, Ottawa