Government ditches 'disappointing' talks on cutting alcohol abuse
Dutch NewsThe government has ended talks with the drinks industry on tackling alcohol abuse, saying little has been done to protect public health over the past few years. ‘In essence, the difference in standpoints and interests between, say, the alcohol producers and health organisations is too great to be bridged,’ junior health minister Maarten van Ooijen told MPs in a briefing. Describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ but ‘unavoidable’, Van Ooijen said recent figures on teenage drinking and age checks highlighted the fact that ‘the talks have not led to the necessary and effective measures needed to protect public health.’ The previous cabinet had set up the talks between a variety of interest groups, including hospitality industry body KHN and health insurers, last year as part of a wide-ranging strategy to tackle major health issues. The World Health Organisation has also recommended tackling alcohol abuse via public health channels and excluding commercial interests, Van Ooijen said.
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Government ditches 'disappointing' talks on cutting alcohol abuse
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