Ireland: Alcohol Ads Near Schools to Be Banned
In Ireland, alcohol ads near schools will be banned along with tightened alcohol advertising control in general.
As part of the phased implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, Ireland will,
- Ban alcohol ads within 200 metres of schools, crèches and local authority playgrounds,
- Outlaw alcohol ads on buses, trains, at bus stops and train stations,
- Prohibit alcohol advertising in cinemas – except for films with an 18 classification or in licensed premises in a cinema, and
- Ban alcohol ads from children’s clothing.
The new regulations will come into effect from November 12, 2019. Under the majority of these provisions, a person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both. A conviction on indictment could lead to a fine of up to €250,000 or imprisonment for three years.
A recent research study found that the majority of alcohol consumption and related harms in the Irish population are accounted for by low- and moderate-risk alcohol users, and specifically by those who engage in heavy episodic alcohol use. The study recommended immediate implementation of the measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act to prevent and reduce alcohol harm.
Large companies have lured our children into alcohol addiction through advertisement. From this month, we will enforce clear boundaries and restrictions for companies who try to target our children. And for those who fail to adhere to it, there will be consequences, including significant financial penalties,” said Health Minister Simon Harris according to the Irish Independent.
Other parts of the Irish Alcohol Act
Other elements of the law will come into effect in November 2020. One of the measures to be implemented is about placement of alcohol. Accordingly, in mixed retail outlets, alcohol products and advertising will be confined to an area separated by a 1.2-metre-high barrier, or units in which alcohol products are not visible up to 1.5 metres in height.
A minimum unit pricing law is also on the table but a date has not yet been set to implement the law.
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