The European Commission privately warned the Government two years ago that legislation to set minimum alcohol prices and lay down mandatory labelling in Ireland may conflict with European Union law. The confidential commission document has cast doubt over key elements of the Public Health Alcohol Bill, published by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his time as Minister for Health in 2015, but which is not yet law. The commission’s verdict on the Bill was sent to Dublin two years ago, but has not been published before. It seeks to introduce minimum pricing; the separation of alcohol from other products in supermarkets and retail outlets and strong health warnings, calorie and alcohol content; and restrictions on advertising and promotions. Some proposed restrictions constitute restrictions on trade or the freedom to provide services, but acknowledges that restraints may be justifiable on public health ground.

Source: The Irish Times April 17, 2018 00:00 UTC