Today (Friday, 20 July) marks the close of the EU Commission’s TRIS notification procedure on Ireland’s amended Public Health Alcohol legislation, and the ending of the ‘Standstill’ period that delayed enactment of the legislation.

In commending the progressive action adopted by the Irish Government, and the preventative measures within the Public Health Alcohol Bill, 10 leading public health organisations across Europe have submitted firm contributions validating the actions being proposed. Crucially, they reaffirm the established link between alcohol consumption and fatal cancers, and the important role health warnings fulfil to inform consumers of known risk.

Amongst the leading contributors were:

• EASL – European Association for the Study of the Liver;
• CPME – Standing Committee of European Doctors;
• Royal College of Physicians (London);
• World Cancer Research International,
• SHAAP – Scottish Health action on Alcohol Problems, and
• United European Gastroenterology (UEG)

as well a variety of leading advocates in the NGO community across the EU.

[Click on the link above for the full press release]