Pub trade attacks EU drink proposals
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has slammed proposals to introduce Europe-wide restrictions on alcohol sales which could increase prices and limit opening hours.
The organisation has reacted with outrage to a report due to be published by the European Commission public health department DG SANCO in September.
Laws designed to deal with a problem in one country will not necessarily work in anotherBBPA director of communications Mark Hastings.
However, the report has been compiled by a temperance society, the Institute of Alcohol Studies and is not binding on the EC.
Its proposals call for a minimum tax rate on alcoholic beverages which would be raised substantially and standardised across Europe; a halt to booze-cruises by allowing EU members to limit citizens' right to buy alcohol abroad; restricted opening hours, a ban on advertising and sponsorship and health warnings on all packaging.
The BBPA has warned there could be dire consequences if the proposals became law.
"Laws designed to deal with a problem in one country will not necessarily work in another," said director of communications Mark Hastings.
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Your CommentsV Klimas via email 08/08/2006"As for the eu meddling about with our drinks industry lets just say that the eu is NOT our elected government and therefor any laws the make should be ignored in this country. It is abou time we took our country back and left the eu."
Tony Blows, THe Dog Inn via email, 08/08/2006Maybe now people will see the need to vote UKIP, i agree lets take our country back the sooner we get out of Europe the better.
John Ellis, Crown Inn, Oakengates via email, 08/08/2006This isn't an E.U. story, it's an Institute of Alcohol Studies story. This isn't the first time they've peddled propoganda, dressed up as fact. Is there anyone out there who can find out who they are, what they do and, perhaps most importantly, where their funding comes from.
We shouldn't blame the E.U. for having a report presented to it. We should blame those whose blatant biased lobbying lies to our law-makers! I'm not too worried about their propoganda to the E.U. - I don't think the French or Belgians would let this through for a moment. I'm more worried about our own lot taking up as the next stick to beat us with, though. Recent track record shows we need be much more worried about Whitehall than Brussels.
Ben Baumberg via email, 09/08/2006Three quick points from the IAS that may interest John Ellis and other readers:
1. The report was reviewed before publication - including by experts NOMINATED BY THE DRINKS INDUSTRY. Which makes it hard to describe it as 'propoganda'.
2. We realise it's important to know something about who we are and what we do. Which is why our website www.ias.org.uk has several sections describing this, including our panel of scientific advisers. Anyone with any other questions can simply get in touch.
3. Just for interest, it's worth remembering that French policy on alcohol is quite developed these days - at least compared to that in Britain. For example, no alcohol advertising AT ALL is allowed on TV, and even print ads are more heavily restricted than here.
Ben BaumbergCo-author of "Alcohol in Europe: a public health perspective"Policy and Research OfficerInstitute of Alcohol Studies
David Barclay via email, 10/08/2006This is the nanny state gone too far.
What has happened to freedom of choice?
