Ref. Ares(2016)2690624 - 09/06/2016
Ref. Ares(2016)5579867 - 27/09/2016
From:
(CAB-HOGAN)
Sent:
Thursday 9 June 2016 17:00
To:
CAB HOGAN ARCHIVES
Subject:
FW: Request for meeting with Commissioner Hogan
Attachments:
EC Comm opinion.pdf
Can this be added into today's table please.
Thanks.
From:
]
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2016 12:41 PM
To:
(CAB-HOGAN)
Subject: Request for meeting with Commissioner Hogan
Dear
,
Lovely to talk to you earlier.
As discusse
d, Alcohol Action Ireland is seeking a meeting with Commissioner Hogan to
discuss the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, as a significant number of Member States have
issued detailed opinions on the legislation as well as the European Commission and two
other Members States issuing comments.
The bulk of the negativity seems to be emerging from DG Agri – particularly from the
wine trade and the measures in the Bill around labelling seem to be causing particular
concern.
We will put together a delegation comprised of ourselves, the Royal College of Physicians
and other members of
the Alcohol Health Alliance Ireland to attend this meeting, if the
Commissioner is in agreement.
Here is a quick background on the legislation:
Public Health (Alcohol) Bill
1. The Irish Government approved the publication of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill
and the introduction of the Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas in December
2015. The Bill includes provisions for:
• minimum unit pricing
• health labelling of alcohol products
• the regulation of advertising and marketing of alcohol
• the regulation of sponsorship
• structural separation of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets and
• the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol in certain circumstances
2. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad on the 17th December 2015. The
Bill has been restored to the Seanad Order Paper for the 25th Seanad.
3. On 22 January 2016, the European Commission was formally notified of Ireland’s
intention to introduce the proposed legislation on minimum unit pricing, labelling
and control of marketing and advertising under the Technical Standards and
Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34/EC). Labelling provisions were also
notified under EU Directive 2000/13/EC on the labelling and presentation and
advertising of foodstuff.
4. Nine Member States issued detailed opinions on the proposed legislation. The
EU Commission (see attached) and two other Member States also issued
comments. The standstill period has been extended until 28th of July 2016. The
issues raised are being considered and a response prepared for the Commission
by the Irish Department of Health.
If you require further information on the legislation or any related matter, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
With kind regards and many thanks
Tel: 00353
olicy and Public Affairs
Alcohol Action Ireland
Tel: 01-
Email:
alcoholireland.ie
drinkhelp.ie
Alcohol Health Alliance Ireland – Working together to reduce alcohol harm