Liquor labels opposed

Press, 14 August 1989, Page 8

Liquor labels opposed

PA Wellington The Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council says it will not support the introduction of warning labels on liquor bottles — partly because it fears manufacturers will fight back with a campaign highlighting the health benefits of alcohol. The chief executive of the council, Mr Keith Evans, said yesterday the reason for the decision, made at a meeting last month, was twofold: • There was little evidence warning labels would encourage moderation in drinking. • It was strongly believed liquor manufacturers would begin a campaign citing the health benefits of alcohol. Mr Evans said there was some justification in that argument, as studies had shown people who drank small amounts of alcohol were healthier than those who did not. However, the council did not want to see advertisements claiming alcohol was good for people. Instead of warning labels, the council favoured introducing information panels on bottles which would show how many “standard drinks” the

bottle contained. This would replace the present requirement of having the amount of alcohol per volume shown on labels. A campaign Could be started telling the public how many standard drinks they could safely have and every bottle would tell them how many drinks it contained, Mr Evans said. The council had recommended this to the Minister of Health, Ms Clark, who had asked for its view on warning labels. ‘We would argue this is a far better move,” he said. The debate over warning labels was sparked by a United States decision to introduce them later this year. However, the United States warnings — one of which advised pregnant women not to drink alcohol at all — were alarmist and counter-productive, Mr Evans said.

Public information to encourage moderation was a more effective tool to reduce alcohol abuse then warning labels.

From November, all New Zealand alcoholic beverages exported to the United States, such as Steinlager beer, would have to carry warning labels.