Madam, - The Eurostat report on health and lifestyle published last week provides yet more condemning figures about our drinking. Two forthcoming pieces of legislation will be crucial opportunities to do something about this unending downward trend. One is that promised by Mr Micheál Martin in relation to advertising, the other the new licensing code for alcohol.
The Minister has made many heartfelt pledges in the past to tackling the alcohol issue, and specifically through advertising controls. It is impossible to think that anybody could object to alcohol adverts being banned during the day and evening times when most children are doing their viewing. Indeed, we believe there would be broad support for an outright ban on alcohol advertising.
The coming months will also bring the new liquor licensing code before the Government. This presents a rare chance to change aspects of today's alcohol laws. However, our chief concern is that it will be used not as a chance to reduce the public health damage from alcohol, but to make alcohol even more widely available. Further opening up of our system of licensing pubs, clubs and off-licenses is the last thing we need at the moment.
Having alcohol available in our convenience stores, and in café-style pubs - two of the possible outcomes of the new licensing code - will worsen, not improve, the problems we face.
INAAA calls on all members of the Government to ensure they do not enact legislation sure to worsen an already deeply worrying situation. Alcohol is no ordinary commodity subject to the usual rules of commerce, and future policy changes need first and foremost to be health-proofed. That way we can continue to enjoy alcohol, but without the drawbacks. - Yours, etc.,
ANNA O'NEILL, Secretary, Irish National Alliance For Action on Alcohol, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.