The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has today (24 October) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Primary Care, Alex White TD to introduce a range of public health initiatives aimed at addressing societal misuse of alcohol.
Speaking about the range of public health initiatives, Chair of the National Off-Licence Association, Evelyn Jones said, “NOffLA welcomes the range of initiatives announced today by Minister Alex White on behalf of the Department of Health. In particular, we welcome the enforcement of Section 16 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, which will be enforced by Environmental Health Officers and will restrict advertising, promoting, selling or supplying of alcohol at reduced prices or free of charge. We believe that this will go a long way to ensuring Ireland has a more responsible relationship with alcohol.”
“Our Association also welcomes the news that the voluntary Code of Practice for the sale and display of alcohol in Ireland will no longer be used to regulate the sector. We hope that should a statutory Code of Practice fail to deliver structural separation that the Departments of Health and Justice will stand by their commitment to review the Code of Practice after two years and enact Section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.”
“Structural separation of alcohol products in mixed trading premises is of paramount importance as it will allow consumers to make the conscious decision about whether or not to purchase alcohol. Structural separation will also mean that children will no longer be confronted with alcohol every time they enter a supermarket.”
“NOffLA commends Minister Alex White and the Department of Health for their hard work and commitment in developing these initiatives. These measures will go a long way in providing for the responsible retail of alcohol in this country”, said Ms Jones.
ENDS
Health initiatives announced by Minister White. These can be viewed at http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/2013/20131024.html
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