Alcohol Policy Revolution to Get 'Green Book'
The war on alcohol abuse is escalating, as the government embarks on its promised in-depth review of policy in the sphere.
A number of interest groups and government representatives gathered at the Ministry of Social Affairs on September 23 to develop a new strategy for implementing alcohol policy.
Social Affairs Minister Hanno Pevkur says the the review will focus on how alcohol use can be curbed.
Studies have found that consumption is far higher than in Scandinavia - just under 10 liters per per person per year. Pevkur said the Swedish level - under 8 liters - could be a target.
"Above all [the angle of the approach will be] how alcohol consumption can be decreased. If necessary, to make sales restrictions more stricter," said Pevkur.
The discussion between manufacturers, sellers and economists and public health experts aims at producing a "Green Book" before the year is out, which will serve as the basis for government action.
Pevkur noted that in some cases, manufacturers have already agreed on restrictions (such as advertising ) stricter than the ones codified in the Alcohol Act.
Kristopher Rikken
