The Ministry of Health presented a draft change of the Education Act in austerity and combating alcoholism. Although the document refers to the problem of alcohol consumption in Poland, it does not represent an important and most effective solution, which would be a total ban on alcohol ads. As a result, the amendment appears as a congregation of superficial changes that public health will not significantly improve. As if that was not enough – the bill is in contradiction with justification, because the recommendations behind the change directly indicate that a complete ban on advertising is required. It is really difficult to understand this absurdity!
The Ministry of Health Quotes that, but does not implement its recommendations
In the justification of the project, the Ministry of Health refers to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which clearly indicates that the ban on alcohol advertising is one of the most effective tools to reduce the consumption of drinks with a high percentage. Who orders:
“Introduction of prohibitions or extensive limitations on advertising, sponsorship and promotion of alcohol as effective and profitable funds to achieve benefits for public health and the protection of children, adolescents and remembers against pressure to consume alcohol.
Despite calling this recommendation, the Ministry of Health does not decide to introduce such a prohibition. The lack of a total ban on alcohol advertising is in contradiction with the cited scientific evidence and the logic of the justification of the law itself.
Disruptive data about beer consumption
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that Poland consume the most alcohol in beer. Data for 2023 indicates that 53.8 percent alcohol was consumed from beer. A year later it was 55 percent. Nevertheless, in this respect, the Ministry does not propose the desired actions, such as the elimination of beer advertisements or reducing their availability. And the problem is burning, because, if the National Center for combating addictions, the statistical post in 2023 drank no less than 87.4 liters of beer, and in 2024 it was already 93 liters per head! What more! Sales data clearly show that beer is very eagerly bought in the morning, so you can be sure that it is consumed by people who then take their work under the influence of beer. From 16 million beers that are purchased in Poland every day, no less than 2.9 million are purchased in the morning.
Alcohol advertising exposes children and adolescents
The omnipresent beer advertising is one of the most important factors that promote alcohol consumption among young people. The Ministry of Health notes this problem and only proposes to increase the fines for breaking the provisions for advertisements, instead of introducing a total ban. This is a clear effect that the problem does not solve, but only strengthens control of illegal advertisement.
Why does the Ministry of Health ignore Experts?
For years, expert communities and non -governmental organizations have called on to sharpen alcohol ads in terms of alcohol ads. However, the government and the Ministry of Health remain indifferent to these votes. Research into public opinion indicates that more than half of the Poles for a total ban is for alcohol advertising (IBRIS study of November 2024). The civil petition in this matter that was signed by 48,000 Polish women and Poland went to the SEJM only a month ago. People who are in the heart of Polish society hoped that these actions would inspire the health department to prepare valuable solutions in the amendment to the law.
Moreover, international organizations, such as OECD, recommend a ban on sponsoring sporting events by alcohol companies. Experts correspond to the need to introduce broad regulations, including not only the ban on alcohol advertising, but also to limit their availability.
Recommended changes, which mainly come from people who struggle with removing addiction effects on a daily basis, were unfortunately not included in the presented amendment project. There was no room for the aforementioned total ban on alcohol advertising, including beer and non -alcoholic beer, but not alone. The Ministry of Health does not see the need to introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol of 22-9, a ban on the sale of alcohol at gas stations, in which excise duty is introduced proportionally with the alcohol content, which limits the maximum alcohol content in beer to 4 percent. Or introduce the obligation to sell beer at individual stands. He also does not intend to ban a separate recipe for the sale of non -alcoholic beer to minors.
It is worth noting that entities such as the PZH Institute of Public Health or the aforementioned National Center for combating addictions, ie organizations, whose voice must be heard by departmental laws who have appealed to the above exchanges.
The Shell act, it is not known why it was made
If the current design change of the Education Act is maintained in its form in its form, it will be a wasted chance of a real reduction in alcohol consumption in Poland. The Ministry of Health, despite the awareness of the scale of the problem and reference to scientific research, does not make an important decision to fully ban alcohol ads.
The current suggestions for changes are superficial and do not form an effective tool in the fight against alcoholism. Poland needs legislative courage and extensive regulations that actually contribute to improving public health.
Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.