Warnings to be placed on all booze in the UK

Oct 16 2006

In an attempt to deal with the problem of binge drinking, the British government wants health warnings to be printed on all wine bottles, cans and bottles containing alcohol.

The government is looking at ways of making the drinks industry place labels on bottles and cans with details of the dangers of alcohol, as part of a campaign to tackle Britain’s growing booze culture.

Apparently officials are in negotiations with the drinks industry over the plan, which could mean warnings similar to those on cigarette packets could also appear on all wine, beers and spirits within the next two years.

It seems the government is concerned that rising levels of binge-drinking will lead to massive health problems in later life.

As to be expected the drinks industry is up in arms and say the scheme will not have any effect and as with labels on cigarettes, people get used to them after a month or so.

Many experts say the scheme is farcical as there are many other products on the market which are far worse offenders, and some regard the idea of labelling a fine bottle of wine with such a warning as sacrilegious.

Others recognise drinking irresponsibly damages health, but suggest the health benefits of anti-oxidants found in red wine be promoted too and are calling for more to be spent on preventative alcohol programmes in schools.

A recent report from the European Commission has found that alcohol consumption is in fact falling across much of continental Europe but not in the UK.

The age group 18 to 24 are apparently most likely to drink more than their recommended weekly intake of alcohol and figures show that weekly consumption in this age group has risen by 25 percent from 20 to 25 units.

It is thought the labels will issue advice on how much is safe to drink and where to get help for alcoholism.

As part of the campaign television adverts will tell drinkers to "Know Your Limits" and is specifically aimed at the 18 to 24-year-old group with one segment depicting a man in a superhero outfit plunging to his death after climbing on scaffolding.

The adverts warn consumers that too much alcohol makes people feel invincible when they are at their most vulnerable.