A Government appointed committee is considering a ban on the sponsorship of sports events by drinks companies.
The National Substance Misuse Strategy Group is due to complete its report by the end of next month.
Health promotion groups argue that sponsorship of sports events by drinks companies encourages people, especially young people to drink alcohol, and contributes to alcohol abuse.
The National Youth Council, which is one of 33 bodies on the National Substance Misuse Strategy Group, says linking alcohol and sport sends out the wrong message to young people – and it wants a ban on sponsorship.
Sports organisations such as the IRFU, the FAI and the GAA argue that finding alternative sponsorship would be difficult and a ban could be detrimental to sport.
The Alcohol Beverage Federation, which is also on the committee, says funding by the drinks industry is of huge benefit to sport – but it says that the strategy group is disproportionately composed of health bodies who want a ban.
The committee’s report, which will cover wider issues concerning the sale and advertising of alcohol, is due to complete its report and proposals by the end of October.
Source: RTE, 05/09/10
