Drogheda Mayor criticises delay on alcohol health warning labels

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The government’s decision to delay enforcement of alcohol health warning labels on bottles and cans is “a clear failure to prioritise public health over industry pressure,” according to Drogheda Mayor, Michelle Hall.

Cllr. Hall, a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum spoke of her “deep disappointment at the Government’s decision to delay the enforcement of alcohol harm labelling on bottles and cans — a key public health measure passed into law under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act.”

“People have a right to know the risks associated with alcohol consumption — including links to liver disease, cancer, and mental health issues. That information should be clearly visible on every alcohol product,” said the Mayor.

She highlighted a research paper published in 2019 shows that County Louth has higher than average mortality for all ages due to alcohol related causes (65.5 per 100,000 population, compared to a National rate of 58.6 per 100,000).

"It stated that County Louth had above average for hospital admission rate for mental and behaviour disorders due to alcohol (153.2 per 100,000 population, National 83.74) and also for alcoholic liver disease.”

She added her consistent support for health-led policies in her role on the Regional Health Forum, describing the move as “a setback for transparency, consumer rights, and our national efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm.”

“Labelling is not a silver bullet, but it is a simple, evidence-based tool that empowers people to make informed choices. Alcohol labels tell people the facts, that alcohol causes liver disease and cancer. They also have a pregnancy warning graphic, while giving basic nutritional information and the details of the HSE website www.askaboutalcohol.ie, ”

She called on the Government to reconsider its position and to stand by its commitments under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act — legislation that was once internationally praised for its leadership.

“Watering down this law undermines the work of health professionals, addiction services, and communities striving to reduce harm. We must put people’s health first.”