EC PUTTING PRESSURE ON WARNING LABELS

The British government is considering passing a law that would require wineries, distillers and brewers to put health warnings on their products, similar to the U.S. As expected, the industry is up in arms. Most are dismissing the possibility as ridiculous, such as sommelier Matt Skinner, who told The Independent “there are far worse offenders” than alcoholic beverages.

Jancis Robinson, the wine writer and editor of The Oxford Companion, called the U.S. health warnings unsuccessful and told The Independent:

"As with labels on cigarettes, people just get used to them after a month or so."

Although the measure is meant to cutback on binge drinking, many people in the industry seem to feel it’s a waste of breath. Government officials are currently in discussions with the drinks industry to agree on a new warning label, according to the Daily Telegraph. Labels are likely to include details of where to get help for alcoholism, and could even include messages such as “Please Drink Sensibly,” although the industry is hoping to dodge such strong messages.

The European Commission especially is pushing for changes. A recent European Commission report set out proposals for an EU-wide system of compulsory health warnings similar to those found on cigarette packs, and the report specifically looked at an increase in British “binge drinking.” Today the British government is to launch a £4 million "national awareness" campaign under the slogan "Know Your Limits" aimed at 18-to-24-year-olds.

The alcohol beverage industry is hoping to reach an agreement that would not require legislation, said the Daily Telegraph.