Minister says Government trying to discourage unhealthy relationship with drink.
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the State is prepared to fight off any legal challenge against the new alcohol laws.
Mr Varadkar has published the Public Health Alcohol Bill which will introduce minimum pricing, restrictions on advertising and a ban on one-pitch advertising during sports game.
The Minister said this new legislation would reduce harmful drinking in Ireland and would discourage younger people from binge drinking.
Mr Varadkar said he knew there would be strong opposition to the legislation but the State was preparing its defence in any event.
He said the Department of Heath would be strong in court if necessary.
“I would hope the sports and drinks industry embrace this and see the common sense behind it but if we do they we will be prepared for it and we will fight it,” he said.
The legislation will introduce a new minimum pricing for alcohol at 10 cent per gram of alcohol. It will also introduce restrictions on advertising, including banning it near schools or on public transport.
Supermarkets will have to store alcohol away from their products.
The proposed legislation, which will be passed by the middle of next year, is to face considerable opposition from the drink industry. It could also face legal obstacles in the Irish and European courts, particularly in relation to minimum pricing.
Source: Sarah Bardon, The Irish Times, 10/12/15
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