If you like a drink, this is handy to know.
After more than 1,000 days of debate and discussion, the Public Health Alcohol Bill has been introduced in a move that Simon Harris has proclaimed as “a groundbreaking measure” that could change “the culture of drinking” in Ireland.
The bill was initially introduced by Leo Varadkar during his tenure as the Health Minister in December 2015. Since then, the bill has been continuously delayed and debated.
In terms of what this means for the public, here are the main points.
- 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.
Alcohol Action said: “For nearly 10 years, a great many champions of public health advocated for this legislation to be advanced. (This) is their victory too.”
Last orders for the cheap drink: the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, published by Varadkar in the health brief over a thousand days ago, is on its way to the Áras. It provides for health notices on alcohol, and a minimum unit price. Fewer than 10 TDs attempted to block passage
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 3, 2018
The bill has to go back to Seanad for Report Stage as there are amendments from the Dail that need to be made. Only the amendments can be discussed although various TDs may try to broaden the debate.
Here’s what Minister Harris had to say about its introduction.
"It is … a groundbreaking measure" – Minister for Health welcomes passing of Public Health (Alcohol) Bill pic.twitter.com/t5vzltvCut
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 3, 2018
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
