Trade criticises Thailand alcohol warning labels

A European trade body has criticised Thailand’s proposed use of health warnings on alcohol labels, claiming that there are more effective measures to tackle alcohol-related harm.

Spirits Europe has criticised Thailand’s proposals to implement health warnings on alcohol labels

Spirits Europe said in a recent newsletter that health warnings on alcohol labels “fail to induce behavioural change in drinking patterns” and that “more sophisticated prevention campaigns” are more appropriate.

The Thai government has long contemplated using graphic warnings on alcohol labels and already warns about the increased risk of suicide, family break-up and drink driving.

However, Spirits Europe has asked officials to reconsider their approach to tackling alcohol-related harm and consult the World Trade Organisation’s Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade.

“As spirits producers, we make great efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm without punishing moderate, responsible consumers, both in Europe and in third countries to which we export our products,” a statement from Spirits Europe read.

“We appreciate Thailand’s commitment to tackling alcohol harm.  However, we believe that there are more appropriate measures – equally if not more effective – to fulfill the public health objective of reducing alcohol related harm, which should be adopted by the Thai authorities instead.”

The argument between trade and politicians with regards to the implementation of health warnings on alcohol labels has been waging for some time. Most recently, in August this year, a group of British MP’s recommended that warnings should be printed on alcohol products to combat the UK’s excessive drinking problem.

Calls were also recently made in Australia for tougher warnings on alcohol labels following the revelation that 15 die every day from alcohol-related harm in the country.