Civil society unites behind Ireland’s labelling plans
European civil society came together to voice strong support for Ireland’s alcohol labelling plans ahead of a European Commission deadline for comment last week.
“The European Commission now has to take notice of civil society’s overwhelming support for Ireland’s alcohol labelling plans,” said Eurocare Secretary General Florence Berteletti.
“All of us at Alcohol Action Ireland are very heartened by the overwhelming support from 61 public health advocates across the world who have endorsed Ireland's draft regulations on alcohol labelling,” said Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.
A full 65% of the 93 written submissions supported Ireland’s alcohol labelling plans as part of a “TRIS” process that assesses whether laws made by EU members are consistent with internal market rules.
“Their evidence-based submissions give a strong message to the European Commission about the need for rapid implementation of the regulations which have already been delayed over many years. Time for action,” Ms Gilheany said.
Those supporting Ireland’s alcohol labelling laws include the Standing Committee of European Doctors, European Society for the Study of the Liver, European Public Health Association, GAPA, IOGT, Movendi, Alcohol Policy Network and Alcohol Health Alliance UK.
The European Commission automatically extended its time to reply to December 22nd because some member states–Czech Republic, France, Italy, Romania and Spain–gave a “detailed opinion”.
