Ireland will become the first country in the world to have health labelling on alcohol products.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, is due to sign the new measure into new law, which will take effect in three years' time.
It means labels on products will state the number of calories and alcohol content,
Labels will also warn about the risk of drinking alcohol when pregnant as well as the risk of liver disease and cancer as a result of alcohol consumption.
Similar health information will also be available for customers in pubs and restaurants.
There's a three-year lead-in time built into the law, to give businesses enough time to prepare for the change.
The new measure will take effect from the 22nd of May 2026.
Ireland is to become the first country in the world to introduce comprehensive health warning labels on alcohol products. I’ve signed the regulations so that from May 2026 labels must contain details of calorie content, grams of alcohol and risks of liver disease and cancer. pic.twitter.com/LHBBnaRkyZ
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) May 22, 2023
The labels will also direct consumers to a HSE website, www.askaboutalcohol.ie, where they can get further information.
