Director general of Spirits Europe Ulrich Adam expressed concerns over the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed last month, saying that its allowing for minimum pricing and the labelling of health warnings on alcohol products as well as the restrictions it places on the advertisement and sponsorship of alcohol can undermine the common achievements in the internal EU market.
As reported by The Sunday Business Post, Adam stated, "We have grave concerns about what the law could mean for the functioning of internal markets. We see the potential trade barriers and what it could mean for the free flow of goods and limiting choice for consumers in the Irish market, but also limiting the ability for smaller spirits producers to be present in the Irish market.
"While we fully support national initiatives to address harmful alcohol consumption, we very much stress that these measures must be taken in a way that does not undermine or hamper the proper functioning of the internal market."
According to Adam, Creed's reaction to the concerns of Spirits Europe was encouraging. Adam said, "They are aware of the potential problems that this law could cause. There was of course no clear answer as to where things are going to go, but there was a clear awareness about these problems."
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