The way that alcohol is advertised and sold in Ireland will change.
The Commencement Order for the Public Health Alcohol Bill has been signed, officially signing it into law.
The bill was initially introduced by Leo Varadkar during his tenure as the Health Minister in 2015. Since then, it has been continuously delayed and debated.
It is the first time Ireland has ever introduced a public law relating to alcohol.
Here are the main points, with regards to the public:
- A minimum unit pricing for alcohol will be introduced.
- Segregation of alcohol sales from other products in shops.
- Cancer warnings are being added to the packaging of alcohol products.
- Advertising restrictions and a broadcasting watershed.
- Advertising of alcohol products in or on public service vehicles, transports and busses.
- Alcohol wont be advertised in parks or sports events where children are present.
A breach of the orders for advertising could result in a fine of up to €2,000 for store owners in Ireland.
The current Minister for Health, Simon Harris announced the news on Twitter on Monday morning, alongside the hashtag #progress.
Have signed the Commencement Order for the Public Health Alcohol Bill. Landmark legislation – 1st time we have ever introduced public health law relating to alcohol. Law will commence on 12th November with various lead-in times for each measure starting from then #phab #progress pic.twitter.com/bpvokJ6bY3
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 5, 2018
You can read more about the new bill here.
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