Psychiatrists want alcohol ad ban

[Posted: Tue 16/09/2008 by Niall Hunter, Editor www.irishhealth.com]

A call for a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship in Ireland has been made by the Irish College of Psychiatrists.

A policy paper from the College states that given the evidence of adolescent alcohol-related harm, that the Republic of Ireland should ban all promotion, including advertising and sponsorship on alcohol products.

Consultant psychiatrist and lead author of the policy document Dr Bobby Smyth said alcohol consumption has risen by about 40% in Ireland in the past 15 years and in that time the health consequences have increased significantly.

"Evidence shows that alcohol is responsible for 1,500 deaths in this country each year and the negative impact of excessive alcohol use by young people and adults in this country is immense."

He said a recent report by the Office for Tobacco Control revealed that our 16-to-17 year olds spend just over €20 per week on alcohol.

"This amounts to an illegal alcohol market of €145 million in this country, and as a society we seem to be accepting this as 'normal'," Dr Smyth said.

The College has also pointed out that a recent survey showed that Irish schoolchildren demonstrate the highest rates of drunkenness in Europe.

Dr Smyth said the laissez-faire approach taken by our self-regulatory environment on alcohol advertising is not working.

"Virtually all our main sports are linked to alcohol products. We have no meaningful restrictions on advertising in print or electronic media and all that has happened in recent years is the creation of an illusion that something is being done. Nothing is being done and a myriad of statistics on sales and outcomes bears this out," Dr Smyth said.

Meanwhile,the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) says there has been a 'very significant' decline in alcohol consumption during the first half of this year. 

An analysis of excise receipts from the Revenue Commissioners reveals that alcohol sales are down 7% in the first eight months of the year (January – August inclusive) and down 14% in the month of August alone compared to the same month in 2007, DIGI said.

hammer  Posted: 16/09/2008 12:47

This is a no brainer and should be implemented immediately. Alcohol is a very harmful drug.

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