Doctors have welcomed Government plans to address alcohol misuse, but sports chiefs have warned removing sponsorship by drinks groups could leave huge funding shortages.
Ministers are finalising proposals to limit alcohol sponsorship of games, as well as plans to eliminate cheap alcohol sales by introducing minimum pricing.
The plans, drawn up by junior health minister Alex White, have been circulated to ministers and are expected to come back to the department next week before going before Cabinet by the end of the month.
Weekend reports suggested that alcohol sponsorship of major sporting events would be banned under the plans, but continue to be allowed for arts and cultural events.
Doctors with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland welcomed indications that moves would be made to tackle alcohol misuse.
Frank Murray, chairman of the college’s policy group on alcohol, said: “We support moves to introduce minimum pricing to prevent the sale of very cheap alcohol. Young people and people with alcohol problems buy very cheap alcohol in supermarkets and convenience stores. This measure would make alcohol less accessible to these groups.”
The college also called for sport to be “reclaimed” back from the alcohol industry.
“Although drinks companies who sponsor sporting events deny that alcohol sponsorship serves to increase alcohol consumption, the evidence is that it does,” the college said.
Source: Juno McEnroe, Irish Examiner, 04/06/13
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
