‘We need a culture change’: national strategy on alcohol launched

‘We need a culture change’: national strategy on alcohol launched

Malta needs a cultural shift that would see alcohol perceived in the same way as cigarettes, which are now almost frowned upon, according to Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon. Falzon was speaking at the launch of the latest National Alcohol Policy on Wednesday. The aim of the policy is to reduce alcohol consumption in the population through evidence-based strategies. The document will be open for public consultation for five weeks. Relevant stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback by not later than July 31. The policy will look at ways to minimise the harm caused by alcohol consumption, including the direct effects on individuals’ health and behaviour, as well as the resulting social impact. Negative effects of alcohol include cardiovascular and digestive diseases, unintentional injuries such as those caused by driving drunk, and intentional injuries like physical abuse towards others. Muscat said the focus of the policy would be on acceptability, availability and accessibility. “If alcohol is less acceptable in society, the less likely someone will be to drink it.” Muscat suggested that potential measures could include having alcohol-free zones in towns and medical screenings that would give an indication of a person’s drinking habits.

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