Drinks firms face pressure over alcopops

By Peter Chapman

Date: 18/12/03

DAVID Byrne, the commissioner for health and consumer protection, has urged European Union drinks companies to do more to ensure youngsters are not turned on to alcohol.

Byrne says the EU's policy relies heavily on firms abiding by codes of conduct, for example by promising to ensure drinks are not promoted to appeal to children and adolescents, and not to imply that drinking certain products can bring sporting success.

A recommendation approved by member states in 2001 gives governments the right to call for firms to develop and abide by such codes.

But the Irish ex-attorney-general says some firms clearly need to renew their vows even though he has far more trust in the drinks industry than the tobacco sector, with which he refuses to talk. Further efforts by industry are needed to improve the functioning and the effectiveness of such codes, he said, adding that he had raised his concerns in recent meetings with industry bosses.

Statistics show that more and more children and adolescents are consuming alcoholic drinks, and critics claim they are egged-on by glamorous advertising and marketing methods of products from beer to so-called alcopops - sweet-tasting spirit-based drinks sold in attractive bottles.

Alcohol abuse by young people is linked to crime levels, road accidents and the genesis of longer-term health problems.

The European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, David Byrne, wants manufacturers of alcoholic drinks to do more to make alcohol less attractive to young people. Statistics show more and more children and young people are consuming alcoholic drinks, perhaps in part due to glamorous advertising and marketing methods of products from beer to 'alcopops'.