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The way alcohol appears on store shelves is changing as of today in a movement that has been welcomed.
Section 22 of the Alcohol Public Health Act of 2018 takes effect today and requires the segregation of alcoholic products in mixed-trade retail locations such as supermarkets and convenience stores.
It is intended to achieve three main objectives:
- alcoholic products are less likely to be on display near grocery products, discouraging their purchase as part of daily household purchases;
- alcoholic products will be less visible to children.
- Access to alcoholic products will be more controlled in the premises to which it is applied.
The measures have come into play after a two-year transition period designed to give retailers time to comply.
Alcohol Action Ireland has welcomed the move, saying the measures are a “significant step in addressing the relationship between alcohol and our children.”
Eunan McKinney, director of communications and advocacy for the charity, said: “We are delighted that this day has finally arrived.
“These measures provide a new opportunity for all of us to end the normalization of alcohol in society; alcohol is not a common product and should never be viewed as such.
“Incorporating these measures into the law has been a very long and, at times, difficult challenge. The importance of placing alcohol controls on a legal basis, ending a somewhat arrogant self-regulatory approach, is very important.
“The Alcohol for Public Health Act maintains this principle at the center of its effort and we hope that the government will fulfill its promise, outlined in the Program for Government, to fully implement the Alcohol for Public Health Act (PHAA) in honor of its commitment to introduce minimum unit prices. “
The HSE Environmental Health Service will be tasked with ensuring compliance with this legislation.
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