Government alcohol policy

Japan is encouraging young people with a new impending campaign to drink more at home. Due to the pandemic, the Japanese tax authorities are missing out on a considerable amount of money. To replenish the treasury, therefore, more must be drunk. 90 percent of voters answer 'madness' when asked whether this is a good idea or not. And what is our government actually doing to reduce alcohol consumption and prevent alcohol abuse?

The Dutch alcohol moderation policy is designed to moderate alcohol consumption in general and to prevent alcohol abuse in specific risky situations (in traffic, at work, etc.) and among vulnerable groups (such as children).

This is what the Dutch alcohol moderation policy looks like

In the Netherlands we have an active alcohol moderation policy. Why? Because the damage that alcohol causes is far too great. If you add up all alcohol damage from accidents, violence, efforts by the police, absenteeism, treatment, etc. etc., you come up with well over 5 billion annually! Investing in an alcohol moderation policy saves lives and makes a huge difference in costs. Source: alcoholinfo.nl.

That is why the Dutch government invests in information, assistance, legislation, self-regulation and research. IkPas is an example of an intervention that is partly financed by the government.

Zoom in extra on young people and people over 55

Because alcohol is especially harmful for young people under the age of 18 and dangerous in certain situations, there is an age limit. Previously, the age limit for alcoholic beverages was 16 years and since 2014 this is 18 years. An example of such a government campaign for young people is the NIX18 campaign.

In addition, people over 50 can count on extra attention with regard to alcohol use and abuse. The government wants to reduce the number of people over 50 who drink excessively. A large part of this group does not seem to be aware of the harmful physical and psychological consequences of alcohol consumption, while the sensitivity to the effects of alcohol increases as people get older. It also appears that they do not quickly seek help for their alcohol use. Source: expertise centeralcohol.trimbos.nl.

You can read more about physical sensitivities to alcohol at a later age in the article: 'The elderly and alcohol: 5 pressing questions.'