EESC position on alcohol-related harm in European society

According to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), stricter controls on alcohol marketing and pricing policies should be adopted in order to reduce problems associated to alcohol consumption: “the marketing of alcoholic beverages increases the likelihood that children and adolescents will start to use alcohol, and will drink more if they are already using alcohol”.

Its opinion focuses on protecting children, who are particularly vulnerable to the problems caused by alcohol abuse, and on raising awareness about the risk of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The EESC also calls for more effective regulation of the availability and distribution of alcohol.

Finally, it emphasises the significance of social and economic effects, such as, the increase in social costs due to health care and the loss of productivity. The rapporteur of the Group III, Various Interests, Ms van Turnhout pointed out: "harmful alcohol consumption is a contributory factor for crime, violence and family deprivation, risky sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted diseases”.

For further information, go on the EESC website

For further information EESC Website

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