Strategy on alcohol abuse disappoints campaigners

A European Commission strategy to tackle alcohol abuse is set for publication next week (24 October).

It will disappoint groups hoping for immediate, tough, EU-wide measures to increase the price, or reduce the availability, of alcohol, but leaves the door open to including national alcohol strategies in future.

"Our aim is to explore what member states are doing with a view to a discussion on good practices," said a spokes­man for the Commission’s health department. "There may well be effec­tive and good practices either in place, or planned, in member states which the Commis­sion will map out for debate."

He added: "There are limits to what the Commission can do, we have always been conscious of the limits to our competence."

"It is right and proper that all parties we consulted should make their views known, but then the Commission has to decide what action to take, within the limits to our competence."

The Commission says attempts to draw a parallel between alcohol and tobacco have also gone too far.

Public health groups however are unhappy with a strategy they say is not strong enough to change EU drinking patterns.

Eurocare, a public health alliance whose members include national health associ­ations, temperance groups and support networks for alcoholics, has accused the Commission of caving in to industry pressure ahead of publication.

A European Commission strategy to tackle alcohol abuse is set for publication next week (24 October).