France: Minimum legal purchase age for alcohol and tobacco to be increased to 18 years.

The Assembly has voted for the ban of sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, yet has allowed the advertising of alcoholic beverages on the internet (albeit with some restrictions).

The text, concerning one part of the “Loi Bachelot”, has to be voted in the Senate.

If the text is accepted, the sale (and “free offers”) of alcohol to minors will be totally prohibited in shops and bars, and public places. This measure has been welcomed by the opposition, who are concerned about youth binge drinking; however, they regret the absence of a more integrated prevention policy.

Advertising on the internet: for the first time, advertising of alcohol on the internet will be allowed, however, there will be some restrictions (ie” not targeting youth), as well as not being “intrusive” (ie: pop up windows and spam).

Restrictions on sales in petrol stations: the government has not managed to completely ban sale of alcohol in petrol stations, but the ban will be extended from 18h00 to 08h00 (as opposed to 22h00 to 06h00. However, the sale of refrigerates alcoholic drinks (eg beer) will be banned in petrol stations).