8th plenary meeting of the European Alcohol and Health Forum, 8 April 2011, Brussels

Please click here to access the agenda.

The main agenda points discussed included alcohol and workplace, serving alcohol to minors and labelling of alcoholic beverages.

It was highlighted that in times of financial hardships and with the rising unemployment rates as well as an ageing population, it is crucial for the workforce to remain healthy. The current political agenda focuses on the increased competitiveness and productivity of the society, for which prevention from disease and work absenteeism is crucial.

DG SANCO encouraged the members of the Forum to make a better use of the RAYPRO database (an on-line database of projects and activities to reduce alcohol-related harm among children and young people). Furthermore, DG SANCO emphasised the importance of submitting meaningful commitments to the EAHF.

The International Federation of Medical Students' Associations was admitted as new member of the Forum.

At the meeting Active also challenged the industry representatives that presented the project the City of Copenhagen is running in partnership with Diageo; “tryg den af” (“Have fun. Be safe”). UNF (The Swedish Youth Temperance Association) sent some 15 year old mystery shoppers to test a total of 9 bars and pubs in the city of Copenhagen. They were allowed in 7 of those bars and they were able to buy alcohol the 11 times they tried without any problems. 4 out of these 7 bars were part of the above mentioned project whose aim is promote responsible selling and serving of alcoholic beverages. The bars and pubs that take part in the project are certified bars and pubs that take responsibility for not selling alcohol to youngsters under the age of 18.

In relation to alcohol labelling, the European Commission followed up on Nick Sharon's suggestion to establish a common European measure of alcohol. This topic will be discussed again at the future EAHF meetings. The PROTECT project in which Eurocare was an active partner was also presented at the meeting.

The minutes and presentations will be soon made available on DG SANCO's website http://ec.europa.eu/health/alcohol/forum/index_en.htm