Yesterday, the European Parliament voted in favour of improved measures to reduce alcohol related harm. MEPs debated several issues including: labelling and warnings, binge-drinking, "alcopops" and reducing accidents causes by drinking and driving.
The report calls on member states to introduce obligatory health warnings for alcoholic beverages. Front labels should include the warning that alcohol can cause serious health and mental health problems, that alcohol is addictive and that alcohol consumption during pregnancy may be harmful to the foetus.
MEPs also called on member states to put strategies into place that will protect particular vulnerable social groups, such as children, young people and pregnant women. Furthermore, the European Parliament supported addressing the problems of hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption by young people, workers and drivers.
Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson said: "We need more effective measures to prevent alcohol related harm, especially amongst children and young people. I want to see stricter labelling requirements of alcohol and a clearer separation of alcopops from soft drinks in shops."
