FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
- Labelling
- China – China has reportedly proposed revisions to its General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods to the World Trade Organisation’s Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade Committee. The regulation describes labelling requirements for prepackaged foods and beverages, replacing a regulation that went into effect on 20 April 2012. China has apparently not announced the date on which the new regulation will enter into force.
- United States – This Sonoma winemaker argues that ingredient labelling should not be required for wine, because among other reasons, small wineries would be hurt most by burdensome requirements. He proposes instead that consumers be able to scan UPC or QR codes that lead to wineries’ websites, where ingredients, additives, and processes can be fully explained and easily updated.
- Taxation
- Dutch move toward minimum unit pricing – The director of the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy believes that minimum unit pricing (MUP) legislation for the Netherlands may come before Parliament, but not before 2021. Following a study on the effects of MUP conducted by the Trimbos Institute and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the cabinet-led National Prevention Agreement focusing on smoking, obesity, and problematic alcohol consumption has reportedly commissioned a second study to investigate what level of MUP might be approved for the Netherlands and what effects it might have.
- A new report on Scottish MUP finds lower alcohol sales – Lower alcohol sales in supermarkets and retail establishments in Scotland have been reportedly attributed to the introduction of MUP legislation. This report reportedly found that sales had dropped approximately five percent in the first year after the implementation of the MUP rules.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
- Studies
- Cancer prevention guideline emphasises more physical activity, less alcohol: An updated American Cancer Society guideline recommends an increase in the amount of weekly physical activity to mitigate the risk of cancer. The recommendation further suggests that individuals should reduce the consumption of alcohol, among other foods and beverages.
- Possible effect of high alcohol consumption on the cognitive aptitudes of young women – New research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, reportedly suggests that cognitive aptitudes of young women may be more affected by high alcohol consumption than is the case with young men. Responding to an anonymous survey, female college students generally reported less interest in academic work and performance after high alcohol consumption than did young men, and the young women seemed more likely to depend on alcohol to improve their mental well-being.
- Research suggesting link between anxiety and alcohol abuse – Researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh have reportedly identified a section of DNA that activates key genes in the brain that control alcohol intake and mood, which may contribute to the risk of alcohol abuse. The discovery may allow for the development of targeted medications to treat alcohol abuse and anxiety.
- Drink Drive
- New legislation for non-criminal drink drive offences considered in Canada – Legislation under consideration in the province of Alberta would reportedly create Immediate Roadside Sanctions with a new online tool designed to resolve disputes for most non-criminal traffic offences involving intoxicated drivers. Penalties involving criminal charges would stiffen, however, to include fines up to $2,000, vehicle seizures up to 30 days, and mandatory education programs and ignition interlocks for repeat offenders. If the legislation passes, it would take effect in late 2020.
- Drafting heavier fines for drink driving in Malaysia – Concerned about rising incidents involving intoxicated drivers, Malaysia’s Prime Minister has reportedly instructed the Transport Ministry to formulate amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to include heavier punishment for individuals found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which may be finalised for consideration by mid-June.
- Freezing new licences to sell alcohol in Malaysia – Amid a spate of road accidents involving intoxicated drivers, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall announced via social media that it would immediately freeze all new applications for licences to sell alcohol. Leaders of the Sabah and Sarawak indigenous community responded, however, by saying that imposition of the freeze demonstrated a lack of respect for their local culture and heritage, which involve brewing and consuming alcohol during cultural celebrations.
- Drink driving with children in Russia – The Russian Ministry of Justice has reportedly proposed a fine of 50,000 rubles (approximately US$730) as a penalty for intoxicated drivers who refuse to undergo a medical examination when children under the age of sixteen are present in the car. If adopted, the change will go into effect on 01 January 2021.
- Proposal to completely ban alcohol for drivers in South Africa – Legislation proposed by the South African Transport Department states that no person on a public road may drive a vehicle or occupy a driver’s seat while the engine is running while any concentration of alcohol is found in any specimen of blood taken. The intent of the legislation is to remove confusion that may arise regarding how much alcohol must be consumed to make an individual deemed to be under the influence while driving.
- The Ukraine adopts tougher drink drive rules – Tougher penalties for drunk driving will reportedly be introduced in the Ukraine beginning on 01 July 2020. The new rules will reportedly toughen criminal liability and increase fines for infractions.
- The impact of state laws in the United States on motor vehicle fatality rates – This study suggests that state legislation targeting driver behaviour has led to a decline in motor vehicle related fatalities over a fifteen year period. The study further examines which laws have been effective and discusses the efficacy of lowering the permissible blood alcohol content level of drivers.