Hungary, EU plan anti-alcohol clampdown

Planned European Union laws would not allow people under 21 to buy alcohol, taxes on hard liquor and beer would be raised, the permitted alcohol level of drivers would be lowered, and eventually, advertising would be forbidden. In addition, the government is planning further anti-alcohol measures after surveys have shown that Hungary is the biggest alcohol consumer in the EU, reports Népszabadság.

Average alcohol consumption per capita is 20 liters a year and there are half a million chronic alcoholics, many of whom consume alcoholic drinks of poor quality and uncertain origin. As Hungary is a wine nation, residents have not switched to beer and spirits, and mix their consumption between all three.

The planned strategy for Hungary will include limitations on sale and advertising. Hard liquor would not be sold in grocery stores, railway stations and venues frequented by young people. Serving of drunk customers would be monitored more closely and could be punished with closure.

A percentage of the alcohol excise tax and revenue from advertising would be spent on health protection. Authorities would punish drunk drivers more severely; and may even be empowered to seize vehicles.

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