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Because the law prohibits advertising of beneficial effects of alcohol on health, Industry hires doctors calling that alcohol is beneficial. We are writing to all parties interested, underlining that this form of advertising in our opinion is not only irrelevant, but probably also illegal.
While Ministry of Agriculture continues to support Industry, other Ministries are slowly switching to more responsible positions. For instance, in early September a Convention was held in Milano, sponsored by the Italian Presidency of the European Union (July-December 2003) during which the Italian Minister of Health Dr. Sirchia insisted on spreading among the population the importance of sticking to healthy lifestyles, and in particular, reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption, and obesity. In a previous letter sent to us in april 2003, the same Minister stated that after a campaign against tobacco he had launched last year, which reportedly reduced the number of smokers by 6%, he intends to launch a similar campaign against alcohol, and will involve the NGOs in the process.
Also, the Ministry of Transport had already approved last year some new measures to reduce road traffic casualties, including the reduction of BAC to 0,5gr/L. Subsequently, he introduced that alcohol test will be required for every accident, and that random testing to be started on the roads. This summer, he has followed up on same ground by introducing the withdrawal of points from the driving licence. This measure has had great press coverage and has proved to be effective, by reducing the casualties, during the first 3 months of enforcement, by 23%. We had provided the Ministry and his assistants with various comments and suggestions, primarily taken from Eurocare Report on Drinking and Driving.
The consumption of alcohol beverages is reported to be increasing among the young population, a phenomenon similar to many other countries. A survey conducted among the youngsters indicates a very low level of risk perceived by these young men and women associated with drinking alcohol. They seem to be much more concerned about drug consumption, but when it comes to alcohol, the large majority seem to believe that it is not only allowed and legal, but also not dangerous. Many mentioned the fact that the parents get rather angry if they discover that the son has taken drugs, but don't get very excited if the son comes back home after having abused of alcohol.
We are still awaiting the Ministry of Social Affairs to implement the Consultancy Committee to give directions to Government on alcohol policies, where 2 places have been reserved for NGOs. We suspect there are interferences.
The Alcohol Prevention Month has been introduced this year, after the introduction of the Alcohol Prevention Day last year. It is being developed together by the NGOs, the Public Health services, and sometimes sponsored by local municipalities, or other instistutions AICAT has tried, yet again, to complain about the aggressive marketing policy of the industry, by reporting a couple of cases to IAP, but to no avail, the cases are being dismissed by IAP with various excuses. In one case even the association representing the beer industry had to admit that this approach is not very serious and somehow sympathized with our position.
AICAT have obtained this year an important acknowledgement by the Ministry of Health as well as by the Ministry of Education, who have both approved the basic education courses that we offer to volunteers who want to become operators in our Clubs. They have recommended such education to their employees (doctors, other health professionals, school teachers) and have agreed to credit our courses for the compulsory training and updating education that these professionals have to accomplish every year.
On 3-5 october AICAT will be holding its 11th National Congress in Calabria, where more than 1,500 members are expected to attend. Subsequently, by the end of the year, the President and the 3 Vice presidents of the Association will reach the end of their 4 year-term, and new elections will be held.
Ennio Palmesino
President AICAT
1996 - 2005 Eurocare