Alcohol Policy: Ministers to meet on December 1st

On December 1st, European health ministers will meet to discuss the EU's alcohol strategy. Sweden, which currently holds the EU presidency, has pledged to make alcohol a priority, with fears in the industry that Swedish-style pricing mechanisms may be introduced. The effects of advertising on younger consumers have also been raised as a concern.

Europe's brewers have expressed some concerns about the Swedish approach. Whilst acknowledging the health risks inherent in excessive alcohol consumption, Alberto de Ponto, president of the Brewers of Europe pointed to different cultural values across the member states, and the unsuitability of a one-size fits all approach. "There is enough legislation in place" he stated in Brussels today, "If properly applied, it is already adequate".

The Swedish approach of keeping prices high through taxation mechanisms and by a state monopoly on the supply of alcohol, are unlikely to find favour in many EU member states with different approaches to drinking. Swedish practice may owe something to the "binge-drinking" habits of its people. The policies have also led to an increase in illegal supply of alcohol, and it is the younger drinkers who are being targetted by the gangs, claims the brewer's association.

The Swedish government denies any increase in illegal supply, pointing to a decrease since 2004, although this is likely to owe much to the weakness of the Swedish currency. The Swedish Retail Institute (HUI) claims that as much as 26% of alcohol consumed in the country originates from the "unregistered sector", from its 2004 peak of 40%. This increase in illegal activity is felt by many to be a direct result of taxation policy. The Swedish Institute of Health, in a report published in March 2005, also highlighted the problem of "moonshining" - the illegal distilling of spirits, in the country.