A stormy debate over alcohol. deficiency of unanimity of Members and letter from the GrowSPACE Foundation

Expected changes

On Friday in the Sejm, the first reading of 2 parliamentary drafts of the amendment of the Act on Sobriety Education and Against Alcoholism, prepared by parliamentarians of the Left and Poland 2050, was conducted. The proposed amendments include, inter alia, the extension of the definition of alcohol promotion to sales utilizing rebates and discounts, which is intended to prevent promotion actions by offering large amounts of free alcohol. The Left advocates the introduction of a complete ban on advertising and promotion of all alcoholic beverages, while Poland 2050 advocates an absolute ban on public advertising and promotion of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including non-alcoholic beer. The current rules let beer advertising.

The projects besides proposed a ban on the sale of alcohol at fuel stations and the introduction of national night Prohibition. Both projects were addressed to further work in the Committee on wellness by the decision of Deputy talker of Parliament Krzysztof Bosak of the Confederation.

Who's in favour and who's against?

The proposed projects met both with support from respective clubs and with negative reception from others. There were besides those which, although supporting the thought itself, thought that the situation should be analysed in detail.

Joanna Wicha of the Left estimated that the financial interests of the alcohol manufacture are now above the wellness and safety of society, and the task prepared by her group aims to reverse this trend.

Ms Marta Golbik of the civilian Coalition stressed in the Sejm that the debate on draft laws on limiting alcohol availability concerns seeking a balance between social habits, individual freedom to choose lifestyles and unambiguous medical arrangements. She pointed out that alcohol is simply a toxic substance that destroys the body, negatively affects the psyche and in utmost cases can lead to death.

Mr Łukasz Horbatowski of the Civic Coalition pointed out that the proposed rules should not only be effective, but besides applicable and proportionate to the market. In his speech he mentioned the hazard to entrepreneurs.

Wioleta Tomczak from Poland 2050 argued that the task of her group was not due to the desire to interfere in the lifestyle of citizens. She explained that it was a complete ban on public advertising of alcohol, including beer and soft drinks imitating alcohol. She pointed out that non-alcoholic beer advertising does not advance abstinence or a healthy lifestyle, but strengthens the designation of alcoholic brands and perpetuates patterns and rituals associated with alcohol consumption.

Confederate Members have spoken out against the bill. Mr Witold Tumanowicz of the Confederacy assessed that both projects infringe the right to engage in legitimate business activities. He pointed out that since the State allowed alcohol to be lawfully marketed, it was not justified to impose restrictions on its advertising and distribution. He besides stressed that an adult and a conscious citizen should be able to make their own decisions and bear their consequences.

Former Deputy Minister of wellness Janusz Cieszynski of the Law and Justice Office besides powerfully criticized both projects, pointing to their many legislative errors and imprecise provisions. In his opinion, they contain serious deficiencies which undermine their credibility, favour the spirit manufacture at the expense of beer and overlook real problems, specified as the sale of alleged "monkeys".

During the debate, Mr Radosław Lubczyk, of the PSL, pointed out that the projects presented require detailed and detailed analysis. He stressed that although their authors' intention is to improve the functioning of the state and to better defend the public interest, it is besides the Sejm's task to measure the possible consequences of the proposed solutions.

Letter from the GrowSPACE Foundation to all clubs

In connection with the discussion of both projects, the GrowSPACE Foundation as part of the “Zero Percent of Truth” social run submitted a letter signed by representatives of the medical community to all parliamentary clubs.

The letter states that technological studies clearly show that public advertising of alcohol increases the hazard of unhealthy behaviour among young people. Teenagers intensively exposed to alcohol marketing 1.5 times more frequently scope for risky drinking and have a better chance of drinking problems in adult life. peculiar criticism is generated by beer advertising and 0% beer, which usage the same visual and emotional elements as alcoholic beverages.

Dr. Aleksandra Lewandowska, National Consultant in Psychiatry of Children and Youth There is no doubt:

Exposure to beer advertising – besides non-alcoholic – increases the likelihood of young people starting drinking alcohol.

According to psychiatrist and drug therapist Bohdan Woronowicz, the affirmative image of alcohol increases social acceptance of drinking, and early contact with it importantly increases the hazard of addiction. Advertisements that depict alcohol as a symbol of relaxation, fun and social success undermine the natural resilience of young people to its consumption.

Importantly, medical arguments are reflected in the public opinion. According to the November poll of the National investigation Group, 85 percent of Poles support the Act on Sobriety Education, while 78 percent advocate an effective fight against early alcohol initiation among children and young people. These results clearly show politicians that society expects to defend the wellness of the youngest alternatively than further promotion campaigns of breweries.