Draft alcohol strategy 'falling short':Industry speaks out about why draft National Alcohol plan must change

摘要

Australian health ministers willthis year agree on a nationalstrategy to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms among individuals, families and communities. Winemakers want to play our part. However, in its current form, the Draft National Alcohol Strategy (NAS) won't help anyone, but it will harm winemakingbusinesses if it doesn't significantly change its focus.Wholescale taxation changes, minimum pricing mechanisms, generic health warnings on labels and advertising restrictions are just some of the actions identified in the current Draft NAS. These are broad-based population measures designed to make everyonedrink less even though the vast majority of us are drinking responsibly. They will also not help the small percentage of people who are drinking at risky levels. The draft NAS doesn't nail down the specific demographic groups who do need help, or describe measures that will really target them. It is lazy policy-making and the real tragedy will be those most in need of assistance will miss out.