The European Commission issued its strategy in dealing with alcohol abuse today, which has managed to keep a majority of trade bodies happy. The Commission recognized that member states have the right to regulate alcohol within their country, and did not include EU-wide legislation.
The Commission reportedly plans to set up an Alcohol and Health Forum that will allow member states to work closely with the EU in monitoring its strategy.
“The Commission is to be applauded for rejecting attempts to hijack the strategy by those who advocated a biased view of the evidence base and for recognising the positive role that industry can play in being part of the solution to alcohol-related harm,†said Alan Butler, chairman of the European Forum for Responsible Drinking.
Many in the alcohol beverage industry were concerned that the Commission would submit proposals for warning labels on beer, wine and spirits containers similar to those found on cigarette packs.
