There will be consultations and expert opinions, but no one is hiding the fact that the legislative path will be as fast as possible, and the intention is obvious – to tighten penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol, to change the regulations to reduce its availability or the possibility of advertising it. Work has already started.
The signal that it was necessary came from society. – After what happened, we have more allies – says Wojciech Konieczny, deputy minister of health.
Following the wave of outrage over alcohol tubes, the Ministry of Health is tightening the regulations on alcohol sales. On October 7, these proposals were sent to the Prime Minister's office. After the government – consultations, then the Sejm and voting. The path is supposed to be fast. – We are tightening these regulations – informs the Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna.
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What do the new regulations provide?
For starters, higher penalties for non-compliance with the new law. – Previously it was from 10,000 to 500,000, now it will be from 20,000 to 750,000 – announces Wojciech Konieczny.
Producers will not be able to pour alcohol up to 300 milliliters in packaging other than metal and glass. Sellers will have the obligation, not discretion, to check the age of young customers. Shops will not be able to sell alcohol at promotional prices.
– We won't be able to buy two bottles of vodka cheaper, because one is more expensive, and if we buy two, it's cheaper – says Izabela Leszczyna.
How much alcohol do Poles drink? Quantities are large and drink prices are low. “I think something went wrong” Marta Balukiewicz/Fakty po Południu TVN24
The new regulations also provide for a ban on the sale of alcohol at gas stations between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. And one more thing.
– We have also recently introduced a ban on online sales in this amendment, this is quite a new issue and I think it is important – says Wojciech Konieczny.
Poland is in the infamous lead
Poland is among the European leaders in alcohol-related deaths. In terms of numbers, it's terrible.
– We have 600-800 thousand people who can be said to be suffering from alcoholism, but there is a huge army, about three and a half million people who drink excessively and harmfully – notes Krzysztof Brzózka, former director of the State Agency for Solving Alcohol-related Problems .
Customers pay for alcohol, everyone pays to eliminate the consequences of its consumption. – Car accidents, accidents at work, improper functioning of families, treatment. Any legal solution that in some way limits access to alcohol is very necessary at the moment – emphasizes Dr. Sylwester Bębas, psychotherapist.
Each is needed, but much more can be done.
– Start following WHO recommendations, nothing more, or maybe that much. There are specifics: a total ban on advertising alcohol products, reducing the number of sales points, which is absurd, and applying absolute minimum prices for alcohol – says Robert Rutkowski, an addiction therapist.
Minister Leszczyna replies: everything in due time. – Opponents of alcohol will say that it is not enough. So-called libertarians think that maybe this is too far. I think I'm going exactly in the middle, I'm doing what is possible in order to do even more in the future – sums up Izabela Leszczyna.
The Ministry of Health wants the proposed regulations to enter into force on January 1. Just after New Year's Eve drinking.
Main photo source: TVN24