Notable Public Policy Developments Around the World – 17 November 2020

International Organisations

WHO speech at WHA meetings – World Health Organisation Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the 73^rd World Health Assembly, held virtually from 9 – 13 November, stressing the importance of reform of the WHO, as well as the need to develop predictable and sustainable funding and to form new partnerships with the private sector. Dr. Tedros did not mention the alcohol beverage industry during his speech, but the WHO is expected to begin its web-based consultation regarding the action plan for its global strategy on harmful use of alcohol in mid-November.

Studies

Study on moderate consumption of sherry – A recent study, published in Clinical Nutrition, reportedly shows that the polyphenols in sherry, a fortified wine made from white grapes and aged for at least three years, contribute to cardiovascular health. Researchers at the University of Barcelona found that moderate consumption of the beverage has been linked to reduced blood pressure and the restoration of artery function. The researchers cautioned that the study was based on a small and very specific population, which limits its general applicability, but said that the study should promote further studies.

“Best Buys”

Separate display regulations in Ireland – New regulations on separate display of alcohol beverages reportedly took effect on 12 November 2020. Section 22 of the 2018 Public Health Alcohol Act requires the separation of alcohol beverages from other products in mixed trade retail premises, such as supermarkets and convenience stores. The measure seeks to make alcohol beverages less visible to children, less likely to be included in every day grocery shopping, and access to the area more easily controlled by retailers. Retailers were given a two-year transition period to ready themselves for compliance with the new measures. Alcohol Action Ireland has welcomed the move, saying “alcohol is not an ordinary product and should never be seen as such.”

Labelling

Mandatory beer labelling experiment in Russia – The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has reportedly posted a draft decree regarding its experiment on mandatory beer labelling, which will be conducted from 01 April 2021 to 28 February 2022. The government has encouraged brewers to offer comments by 20 November 2020 regarding the experiment which will apply to brewed products and low alcohol drinks.

Minimum Unit Pricing

Call for MUP in England – The Alcohol Health Alliance UK has reportedly issued warnings that consumers in England – the only nation in the UK without a minimum unit price on alcohol beverages – can buy 14 units of alcohol for £2.68 – the price of a coffee at many major chains. The coalition has called on the government to address damages caused by the availability of cheap, high-strength alcohol beverages. Their study has indicated that underage drinkers, high-risk drinkers, and the homeless are among those who tend to consume cheap, high strength cider.

Higher taxes in South Africa? – The Commission for Gender Equality has reportedly recommended that the South African government should impose new regulations regarding the sale of alcohol beverages, arguing that sales have been linked to high levels of gender-based violence. The Commission has recommended minimum unit pricing, additional taxes, and stricter enforcement of regulations.

Trade

Zero for zero tariffs – This article suggests that whisk(e)y industries may be showing other sectors suffering from tariffs and unfair trade practices the way forward. Unions in the United Kingdom and the United States have reportedly agreed that tariffs are “a job killer on both sides of the Atlantic” and prefer a zero for zero tariff arrangement for single malt, allowing market forces to determine the success of their products rather than government protectionism.