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Introduction
In Italy the alcohol consumption has reached in last years very high levels. Eurispes estimate that this dramatic problem is now more compelling than heroin, about 1-1/2 millions italians can be considered alcoholics, as defined by people who abuse every day, and not including those who abuse only a few times per month.
Eurispes calculate about 30,000 deaths every year for alcohol related causes, of which 15,000 for cirrhosis, 3,500 for aesophagus cancer, 3,000 for road accidents, 8,500 for other alcohol related problems.
In 1999 the wine consumption amounted to 3300 millions litres, that is about 57.9 litres of wine per capita per annum. Surprisingly, among the three main regions of North, Centre and South, it is the South of Italy who reaches the highest consumption of 59.6 litres of wine per capita, the North having decreased over the years to second place with 58.9 litres. Beer consumption has increased to 1350 million litres, that is 23.6 litres per capita per annum.
Prospects:
A rough estimate shows that the total income originated by the alcohol beverage industry may amount to about 12.3 billion €, while Eurispes estimate the total social costs of the alcohol related problems may amount to 15.4 billion €. That means, by paradox, that the italian society would be better off in subsidizing the whole industry for staying at home and not producing the substance, to avoid all the harmful consequences of this production.
Since march 2001 there is a new law in Italy (N. 125/2001) which has taken nearly ten years to come to light, and it is a compromise between opposite views, of the health agencies and respectively the industry. The law therefore does not represent a turning point, but at least acknowledges that alcohol related problems do exist, and can be tackled by a more responsible approach by the industry (e.g. regulation of advertisements), and by a cooperation between the public services and the NGOs (the latter being credited for the first time).
It should be noted that, because such advertisements regulation is very mild, Italy remains way behind other European countries as far as limitations to commercials and sponsoring.
The law also envisages the creation of a National Council on Alcohol, with the duty to give suggestions and directions to the government in this field. It will consist of 18 experts, and it is interesting to note that two places are reserved to representatives of the NGOs active in this field. AICAT have applied for one of these places, A.A. have applied for the other one.
We are anxiously awaiting the launching of such Council, whereby we shall be in position to put more pressure on italian Government regarding alcohol policies
Source: EURISPES - ITALIAN REPORT 2000 - Chapter 28 - (To the bottom of the glass)
1996 - 2005 Eurocare