SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Health warnings for alcohol

The most popular beers, wines and spirits will all carry health warnings soon, under a voluntary industry scheme.

scientists-find-gene-linked-to-alcohol-c-2053005316-large.jpg

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The campaign, to be launched officially on Tuesday, warns consumers of the dangers of drinking excessively and drinking while pregnant or underage.

"Providing messages which prompt consumers to think about their drinking ... will help support the community in making informed decisions," chair of the DrinkWise Australia Board, Trish Worth, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The labels, which will appear on bottles and provide consumers with a link to the DrinkWise website, are part of a wider campaign.

"It's widely recognised that labels alone will not change consumer behaviour," Ms Worth said.

"That ... is why we have coupled the messages with a pointer to our website, and why we will continue to support them through our ongoing educational efforts."

The warnings include the messages `Kids and alcohol don't mix', `It is safest not to drink while pregnant' and `Is drinking harming yourself or others?'.

Ms Worth said the program was aimed at changing the nation's drinking culture.

"So that consuming alcohol too young or in excess is considered undesirable."

About 80 per cent of alcohol sold in Australia will carry the new warnings.

They will eventually include all the best-selling beers, wines and spirits, as well as all Coles and Woolworths private brands.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world