Clendennen calls for clarity on timing of new alcohol labelling

Offaly Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen, has called on the Government to provide clarity regarding the timing of new alcohol labelling regulations, citing concerns for the Irish whiskey sector amid growing international trade uncertainty.

The alcohol labelling legislation requires all alcohol products to display labels informing consumers about the dangers of alcohol use, the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the direct link between alcohol and cancer.

“Alcohol labelling is a welcome initiative, but I have concerns around the timing of its implementation. From a domestic perspective, there is growing uncontrollable uncertainty at present in terms of global trade and the Irish whiskey sector has found itself at the eye of the storm," Deputy Clendennen said.

He highlighted the economic impact for local producers such as Tullamore Dew in his constituency of Offaly, which employs nearly 100 people, and called on the Government to commit to a deferral of the labelling rollout.

“In the best interest of providing certainty to the sector, will the Government commit to deferring the introduction of alcohol labelling, and if so, for how many years?," the TD queried.

Responding, An Tánaiste, Simon Harris acknowledged the strength of Ireland’s public health achievements through the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 but admitted that timing concerns were valid.

“There is a legitimate issue in relation to timing when it comes to the issue of labelling. The Minister for Health is working with colleagues across Government on a resolution, and we will make a decision in the coming weeks in relation to the timing of the labels," An Tánaiste said.

Notably, An Tánaiste signalled that a deferral of the alcohol labelling implementation is likely.

This marks the strongest public indication to date that the Government is considering postponing the labelling requirement, amid ongoing concerns about trade competitiveness and international market access for Irish whiskey and spirits.

The decision on the timing of alcohol labelling is expected in the coming weeks.