Ireland has introduced a crackdown on alcohol advertising on radio and TV. For years, health groups including the World Health Organisation have called for advertising of booze to be banned.
Its seven years since the Government proclaimed a law concerning advertising which first affected bill boards but as yet has not been applied to publications.
The rules now mean that no advertisements for alcohol are allowed on TV between 3 am and 9 pm and on radio on a weekday from 3 pm to 10 am the following morning.
There's certain ongoing restrictions about showing individuals drinking or associating pets with alcohol advertising with the intention that children do not see alcohol as a ‘must have’ option.
In 2018, a report by the Lancet suggested that alcohol was more harmful than heroin and cocaine, and was three times more harmful than tobacco.
Alcohol Action Ireland says alcohol use continues to be consumed in high volumes, reaching 40% above Health and Safety Executive lower risk guidelines.
Health warnings on alcohol packaging will be introduced in 2026 as Ireland becomes the first EU member to introduce a warning relating to potential damage to liver and risks of cancer.
Will it make much odds? Ireland’s great whiskey,spirits, beer and stout continue to whet the appetite of drinkers globally and is considered intrinsic to tourism.
