The BBPA has responded to a House of Lords call for evidence on whether there should be a new European alcohol strategy and what form this should take.
The response puts forward the view that any new strategy should seek to build on the current strategy and strengthen its existing mechanisms rather than seeking an entirely new approach. The evaluation of the current strategy carried out towards the end of 2012 clearly showed that the strategy remained relevant in tackling alcohol related harm in Europe.
Greater coordination between the CNAPA and the Forum, more profile and prominence for the strategy and better monitoring and evaluation of the impact of commitments and policies were areas identified for improvement.
The response also highlighted the importance of focusing on alcohol harms rather than overall consumption. In addition the point was made that any new strategy needs to be properly focused and achieve the right balance of tackling alcohol-related harms whilst recognising the contribution that the alcohol industry makes to the EU economy and without disproportionately penalising responsible consumers.
It also stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder, partnership approach. The value of this can be seen at both the national and European level through outcomes from the Public Health Responsibility Deal and the range of commitments and engagement under the European Alcohol & Health Forum.
There is also currently ongoing activity towards the development of a new European alcohol strategy. The BBPA has been consulted as a stakeholder by the Department of Health and has had a chance to comment on both the draft European Alcohol Action plan, which has been developed to maintain momentum and action prior to the development of a new strategy, and the draft scoping paper, which lays out concepts for a new overall strategy.
We have also been liaising with Brewers of Europe, who have not been officially consulted, although it has been able to informally brief and provide comments to officials within the Commission. There is a particular concern that the new strategy will focus less on partnership working with, and involvement of, industry and take a more regulatory approach.