Minister for Health signs 23 sections of the Public Health Alcohol Bill into effect

Press Release Monday 5th November 2018

Minister for Health signs 23 sections of the Public Health Alcohol Bill into effect.

Minister for Health Simon Harris has signed the order to commence 23 sections of the Public Health Alcohol Bill into operation.

The legislation, which was passed overwhelmingly by the Oireachtas last month, legislates for alcohol as a public health priority.

From November 12th next year (2019),
- alcohol advertising in or on public service vehicles, at public transport stops or stations and within 200 metres of a school, a crèche or a local authority playground will be prohibited.
- alcohol advertising in a cinema will be prohibited except around films with an 18 classification or in a licensed premises in a cinema.
- children’s clothing that promotes alcohol will also be prohibited.

From 12 November 2020:
In mixed retail outlets alcohol products and advertising are confined to one of the following: an area separated by a 1.2 metre high barrier, or units in which alcohol products are not visible up to 1.5 metres height, or up to three units that can be a maximum of 1 metre wide by 2.2 metres high.
In addition alcohol products can be contained but not be visible in a unit behind the counter.

From 12 November 2021:
• A prohibition on alcohol advertising on a sports area during a sporting event, at events aimed at children or at events in which the majority of participants or competitors are children.
• Alcohol sponsorship of events aimed at children, events which the majority of participants or competitors are children and events involving driving or racing motor vehicles is prohibited.

Minister Harris said: "This is the first time in the history of our State that we have endeavoured to use public health legislation to address issues in respect of alcohol. It is, therefore, a groundbreaking measure.

"For the very first time in our history, we are legislating for alcohol as it affects our health and it is right and proper that we do so.

"We know that we have a relationship with alcohol in this country that is not good, damages our health, harms our communities and harms many families. The measures in this Bill will make a real difference to changing the culture of drinking in Ireland over a period of time."

Notes to Editor :

Minimum unit pricing, which is a key component of the Bill, requires a separate Government decision.

The introduction of labels will have to be notified at EU level before its commencement. There will be a three-year lead in after it has been commenced.

Ends

Notes to the Editor

Press and Communications Office

An Roinn Sláinte
Department of Health

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Source: Department of Health