Belgium has launched a nationwide plan for the primary time to regulate the extreme and dangerous consumption of alcohol, its federal well being minister introduced Friday.
An “Inter-federal” alcohol plan with 75 measures was introduced which incorporates limitations on promoting, prohibition of the sale of alcohol on motorways and the institution of a care program for younger folks.
“Alcohol consumption affects healthcare, but also justice, finance, hospitality, youth, police and other sectors. Only by working together, can we really tackle the problem of harmful alcohol consumption,” Frank Vadenbroucke mentioned in a press release.
The concept of a federal alcohol plan arose in 2008 and after 15 years, the federal and regional ministers lastly reached an settlement on a plan in opposition to dangerous alcohol consumption, it mentioned.
The initiative based mostly on suggestions by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Belgium’s Superior Health Council, consists of the prohibition of alcohol commercials on tv and radio and through kids’s applications. Advertising would even be prohibited in newspapers and publications for minors.
In each alcohol commercial, a well being message based mostly on scientific proof can be displayed. Meanwhile, free alcohol as a part of promotional offers can be prohibited.
A ban on alcohol in retailers and fuel stations alongside motorways can be imposed between 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. It is estimated that alcohol is concerned in 1 / 4 of all highway deaths in Europe, making it one of many greatest killers on the highway, mentioned the assertion.
Alcoholic drinks can be banned in merchandising machines. Free water can be provided in locations the place alcohol is offered.
The authorities would set up an alcohol care program for younger adults. It would additionally work with professionals to supply care to individuals who require pressing medical companies as a result of alcohol intoxication and care will likely be prolonged after their launch from hospitals.
“This is the first time in our country that all ministers involved have approved a common approach to reduce the harmful use of alcohol in Belgium. This plan was absolutely necessary given the enormous social impact of alcohol, especially on health,” mentioned Vadenbroucke.
ALCOHOL-RELATED ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE
In the primary 9 months of 2022, a complete of three,138 accidents associated to alcohol consumption had been reported in Belgium, based on The Brussels Times. Since 2016, the determine is the best variety of accidents from alcohol, mentioned the Vias Road Safety Institute.
According to the Statista Research Department, registered circumstances of alcohol abuse in Belgium amounted to 16,200 offenses in 2021.
Drink-driving stays comparatively excessive in Belgium, putting the nation within the poor performer group, mentioned a report by the European Transport Safety Council. “Many factors, such as the low probability of getting caught and the cultural acceptability of drink-driving, can partly explain why this is a common phenomenon on Belgian roads,” it mentioned.
According to the report, a survey in 2019 confirmed that in Europe, round 13.1% reported having pushed a minimum of as soon as prior to now 30 days with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) degree above the authorized restrict. In Belgium, the prevalence was highest, “with a proportion that was nearly twice as excessive because the European common, 24.2%’.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
