The Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality is in discussion with beer manufactures to ensure that all beer cans and bottles carry a label stating that consumption is not recommended for people under 18 years of age.
The idea forms part of what is being described as a ‘powerful’ campaign to raise awareness about the perils of alcohol and under-age drinking.
Some cans and bottles of beer already have such a label, or similar, but the Ministry wants to extend this to include all bottles and cans.
The Minister pointed out that the age at which people start drinking has gone down and down in recent years and believes that this is a result of society lowering its guard as well as being more permissive.
The Minister wants to see a real awareness campaign involving youth, the catering industry and the beer producers. The campaign is expected to be presented after the summer, probably in September.