Health Minister seeks views on the labelling of alcohol products

A public consultation exercise on the labelling of alcohol, launched by the Department of Health in London, has been extended to Northern Ireland.

The consultation addresses how best to take forward action to better inform consumers about the number of units in alcoholic drinks, recommended alcohol intake, and guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "It has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland around £800million each and every year. However, no cost could bring home the real impact alcohol misuse has on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland.

"My Department recently led a cross-departmental action plan that seeks to reduce the level of young people’s alcohol-related harm by addressing issues relating to education and prevention, treatment and support; and accessibility and availability.

"During the development of the action plan, a key issue was how to better inform the public about units and the recommended alcohol intake. The document contained an action to work with the other jurisdictions, and lobby for strengthening of the current agreements on labelling and advertising."

The Minister added: "I have been working with colleagues across the UK to see what further action can be taken, particularly in relation to labelling, and we have agreed to take forward a UK wide consultation on this issue. I believe that ensuring that the majority of alcohol containers have information on unit content, recommended intake guidelines, and information on alcohol and pregnancy would be a positive step forward, and help to better educate and inform consumers."

Notes to editors:

1. The consultation is available online on the Department of Health website (click on link for publications and follow the link to consultations and live consultations.)

2. If you have an interest in this issue or wish to comment on how we should proceed in this area, please ensure you highlight that you are responding from a Northern Ireland perspective. Electronic responses can be made via alcohollabellingnorthernireland@dh.gsi.gov.uk and postal response to Alcohol Labelling Consultation, 628 Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Rd, SE1 8UG. The closing date for responses is 9 May 2010.

3. The responses to the UK wide consultation are intended to help inform a UK wide response to the labelling of alcohol containers.

4. The consultation document will be issued to a wide range of interests in Northern Ireland including statutory and voluntary sector organisations, and the industry.

5. Overall action to address the harm related to alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland, is taken forward through the DHSSPS New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs and the Addressing Young People’s Drinking Action plans which are available at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/nsdad-finalversion-may06.pdf,and http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/dhs74109_web_pdf.pdf respectively.

6. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.