A social responsibility levy would make a significant contribution to the promotion of healthy activities in Ireland

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol related issues, has welcomed media reports today (Sunday) that there is an agreement in principle at Cabinet level that we need to break the close links between the alcohol industry and our sporting organisations by introducing a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sports.

“It’s very encouraging to hear that there is agreement within Government with the Department of Health’s view that pairing a healthy activity, such as sport, with an unhealthy product, such as alcohol is causing problems for our children and young people, influencing their beliefs and behaviour in relation to alcohol and increasing the likelihood that they will start to drink and drink more if already using alcohol,” said Conor Cullen, Communications Officer with Alcohol Action Ireland.

“The main issue regarding the proposed ban on alcohol sponsorship of sports now seems to be largely based on concern for the future funding of the sporting organisations currently in receipt of this sponsorship and we would urge the Government to make resolving this issue a priority, as breaking the link between the alcohol industry and our sporting organisations is undoubtedly a crucial part of our response if we are to finally make a real and lasting difference to our harmful relationship with alcohol.

“The full-range of alcohol-harm reduction measures currently being considered by Government, including the alcohol sponsorship ban and other key measures targeting the pricing, marketing and availabaility of alcohol, have the potential to significantly reduce the substantial costs incurred by the State due to alcohol-related harm each year – over €3 billion – and also the large number of lives lost due to alcohol in Ireland. Therefore implementing these measures are not just the right thing to do, but also make financial sense,” said Mr Cullen........