During a press conference today the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity Michael Farrugia launched the National Alcohol Policy document for public consultation.
Minister Farrugia said that this document was discussed and agreed between the Sense Group , the MHRA and GRTU, along with Members of the National Addictions Advisory Board within the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.
Dr Farrugia explained that this document puts forward proposals addressing a number of challenges, preventing alcohol use among those aged under seventeen, more awareness about the excessive use of alcohol, and reducing the harmful use of alcohol among adults that includes drink driving.
The Ministry said that when used irresponsibly, alcohol negatively impacts the individual, families and the entire society. Within this Draft National Alcohol Policy, a multifaceted multi-sectoral approach is identified as necessary in order to minimise harm. "Multi-sectoral collaboration between legislators, the police, health and social care providers, and the alcohol and tourist industry, is required to ensure the effective implementation of this policy."
The Ministry also said that the areas addressed in the 24 actions recognise the need to develop, implement and evaluate practices, measures and programmes that are socially and culturally appropriate.
It added that the National Alcohol Policy identifies general measures addressed to the entire population as well as measures targeting young people. "No single measure will be effective if taken in isolation."
"The policy per se is thus an attempt to reduce and prevent the potential harm and negative consequences of alcohol on the individual, the family and society at large."
The public consultation will be open for six weeks until the 17th of November. Any suggestions and feedback can be sent to the email address:alcoholpolicy.mfss@gov.mt [1]
The proposed policy document can be downloaded here [2].
Photograph: DOI/Pierre Sammut