Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018

The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 (Act No. 24 of 2018) is an Act of the Oireachtas.

It was first published in 2015 and agreed on by the Dáil in October 2018. It is intended to reduce alcohol consumption and the harms caused by the misuse of alcohol. It provides for statutory minimum prices on alcohol, restrictions on advertising, stark warning labels on alcohol products, and the separation and reduced visibility of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets.

Background
Alcohol has historically been a major contributory factor for injuries presented to emergency departments, road traffic facilities, house fires and domestic abuse and there was an increase of hospital discharges related to alcohol of 92% between 1992 and 2005.

Inaccurate statements regarding the safety of drinking small amounts of alcohol were observed in several different textbooks used in Irish universities.

The alcohol industry has held economic and political influence and capital for 'centuries', challenging bills and other actions of the Department of Health to promote public health. Many TDs hold constituency meetings in pubs, the alcohol industry secured an extra hour of opening times and further liberalisation of licensing laws.

Before the implementation of minimum unit pricing, it was expected that the policy would reduce alcohol-attributable mortality among heavy drinkers, men and those on low income.

Before the implementation of the cancer warning rule, there was a general lack of awareness of the risks of cancer associated with alcohol.

Commencement of the law
The Minister for Health Simon Harris brought 23 sections of the Bill into operation in November 2018. Alcohol advertising is to be banned within 200 metres of a school, crèche, or local authority playground and in or on public service vehicles, at public transport stops or stations from 2019. From 12 November 2020 alcohol products must be separated by a 1.2 metre high barrier from other goods. From 2021 various measures come into force to ensure that children are protected from alcohol advertising.

From 2026, alcoholic drinks will have to have warnings describing the cancer risks associated with alcohol.

Impact
Increased sales of alcohol in border areas in Northern Ireland were noticed, but this has not been scientifically verified and cross-border purchases were found to be minimal across England and Scotland.

Across all demographic groups in Ireland, there has been support for further evidence-based alcohol policies for promoting public health.