National policy on mitigating excessive alcohol consumption launched

Two men taken to hospital as Vespa hits pedestrian

Two men have been taken to hospital after a Maltese man riding a Vespa hit a foreign pedestrian yesterday, police have told The Malta Independent.

The accident occurred at around 7.20pm in the small tunnel near the skate-park on the Birkirkara Bypass. That part of the road was closed.

The condition of the men is not yet known and the police are investigating the situation. A national policy on mitigating excessive alcohol consumption, curbing underage drinking and drink-driving, among other alcohol-related issues, was launched for public consultation yesterday.

Social Policy and Family Minister Michael Farrugia, who launched the document related to the public consultation, spoke of the challenges this country faces with regards alcohol consumption – from excessive use to awareness to the dangers of drinking.

The document was given the go-ahead by the Sense Group, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises and the National Addictions Advisory Board. Suggestions may be sent by email to alcoholpolicy.mfss@gov.mt by 17 November.