Alcohol platform announces first commitments The alcohol industry, doctors, publishers and NGOs alike have pledged a series of actions to promote responsible drinking, curb under-age alcohol consumption and promote behavioural change among adolescents
A Communication
on an EU alcohol strategy to reduce the health and social harm related to alcohol consumption was adopted by the Commission in October 2006. The document set out five priorities in the fight against alcohol abuse:
- Protection of young people and children;
- reduction of alcohol-related road accidents;
- reduction of the negative impact on the economy;
- raising awareness of health impacts of alcohol abuse; and;
- collection and dissemination of reliable data.
The Communication also announced the creation of an EU 'Alcohol and Health Forum' (AHF), which was officially launched in June 2007. It brings together some 40 business and non-governmental organisations to discuss and commit to action to protect European citizens from harmful abuse of alcohol - just as the EU 'Obesity' Platform for Diet, Physical Activity and Health has pledged commitments to promote a healthy diet and more physical activity.
The charter establishing AHF announces that stakeholders will put special emphasis on actions to protect children and young people, promote responsibility and prevent irresponsible commercial communication and sales.
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