Ignore alcohol industry lobbying for changes which make the Alcohol Public Health Bill less effective at reducing alcohol abuse
Why is this important?
Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by alcohol abuse.
85% of people think we drink too much and this needs to change.
The new Alcohol Public Health bill is based on international research and is a package of changes proven to work. But it is under threat because the alcohol industry is lobbying our politicians to change it using a wide range of tactics. They even had to be told to stop harassing Senators on their way into the Seanad. Politicians say they have never seen anything like it.
The Alcohol Industry are right in one respect. The new bill will not solve Ireland's alcohol abuse problem. It is however a vital first step in changing our culture so that children as young as 8 years are not brainwashed into thinking being Irish means drinking.
Like a motor car which can't run properly if it loses a wheel, removing or changing sections of the bill means 3 people will continue to die each day from alcohol abuse.
The alcohol industry is using Trump like tactics of fear and misinformation to get TDs and Senators to accept amendments. Examples include
Alcohol Industry "Drink prices will increase"
Fact: At the current proposed minimum unit price, drink prices will only increase if retailers are selling below cost or really cheap strong alcohol.
Alcohol Industry “The Bill will damage our economy."
Fact: we taxpayers subsidise alcohol industry profits by €1 billion euro each year (even after excise duties etc.) due to costs of alcohol harm.
Reducing alcohol consumption to lower levels will benefit the economy.
Alcohol Industry: It will cost retailers too much to segregate alcohol products as they have to build walls.
Fact: Retailers can choose how they will separate alcohol products once they restrict display of alcohol products.
Alcohol Industry "Voluntary advertising codes work"
As the Conor Mc Gregor Budweiser campaign showed voluntary codes do not prevent children being targeted. Advertising will still be allowed under the new bill.
Real change happens when everyday people like you and I come together and stand up for what we believe in. Together we can reach lots of people and help create change around this important issue.
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