AMA Push for Mandatory Health Warnings on All Alcohol Products

Dr Glasson said the Australian public, especially young people, should be fully informed about the harmful effects of alcohol misuse in the same way they are warned of the health risks associated with smoking.

"The most effective way to do this is to label alcoholic drinks with clear warnings and health information.

"Every bottle or can of alcoholic beverage would remind consumers about the harmful effects of alcohol just as smokers are reminded that smoking kills every time they buy a packet of cigarettes," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA supports the introduction of 'single message' health warnings on all alcohol containers. Messages should be rotated periodically from a comprehensive set of messages about alcohol-related health risks.

Some suggested warning are:

DRINKING ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY CAN DAMAGE YOUR BABY

• DRINKING ALCOHOL AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY

• DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAUSES CANCER, LIVER DISEASE AND STROKE

• DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAN MAKE YOU VIOLENT.

"Alcohol health warnings on containers are a low cost, publicly supported way of raising awareness about harm caused by alcohol," Dr Glasson said.

"These labels will have a positive influence on where and how Australians drink.

"The AMA is one of many organisations calling on the Federal Government to follow the lead of New Zealand, the UK, France, Japan, the US and, most recently, Canada in introducing mandatory warnings on all alcohol beverages.

"We are clearly behind other developed countries on this issue.

"The AMA urges the alcohol industry to do the right thing and get behind the warning labels campaign," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA is calling on the alcohol industry, the Federal Government and the general public to do their bit to reduce the harm caused by alcohol.

General Public

• Always drink in moderation
• Don't drink and drive or operate machinery
• Drink slowly
• Alternate alcoholic with alcohol free or low alcohol drinks
• Eat before or while drinking
• Don't drink if you're pregnant

The Federal Government

• Change alcohol tax to reflect alcohol content of products
• Legislate for the introduction of health warnings on alcohol products

Alcohol Industry

• Increase production of low and lower alcohol content products
• Support the introduction of health warnings on alcohol products