MINISTER’S NEW RESTRICTIONS ON BOOZE ADS
..but it’s another year before laws take effect
NEW rules on how alcohol is advertised on TV, billboards and clothing were signed off by the Health Minister today.
But it will be November 12 next year before the restrictions come into force.
And the Irish Mirror has learned it could take three years to implement warnings on alcoholic products and further Government involvement will be needed to bring in minimum pricing.
Simon Harris said: “This is the first time in the history of our State we have endeavoured to use public health legislation to address issues in respect of alcohol.
“It is, therefore, a groundbreaking measure.
“We know we have a relationship with alcohol in this country that is not good, damages our health, harms our communities and harms many families.
“The measures in this Bill will make a real difference to changing
the culture of drinking in Ireland over a period of time.”
The Irish Cancer Society’s Paul Gordon said warnings about the link between alcohol and the disease were “hugely important”.
The three years allowed to change labels is known as a washout period, allowing the industry to phase out old bottles.
In total 23 sections of the Public Health Alcohol Bill were signed effect by the minister, a month after the Bill passed through the Dail following more than 1,000 days of debate.
Alcohol ads at public transport stops, on buses, trains and within 200 metres of a school, creche or playground will be completely prohibited.
Sporting events aimed at kids, at which the majority of participants are under 18 or involving driving will also see advertising cut.
And ads are banned in cinemas for movies with less than an 18+ classification, while children’s clothing promoting alcohol is outlawed.
This Bill will make a real difference to changing the culture of drinking SIMON HARRIS today