Belgian brewers fight new 'Alcohol harms health' slogan

Belgian brewers are pushing back against new government regulations that would change alcohol advertising slogans from "Alcohol abuse harms health" to simply "Alcohol harms health." Over 100 brewers and industry supporters placed a full-page ad in newspapers, arguing the new slogan stigmatizes alcohol as a product integral to Belgian culture.

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Alcohol harms health.

Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke defended the change, stating that while enjoying a drink is fine, alcohol is harmful and increases risks of cancer and addiction. He believes the government has a duty to inform young people and adults correctly.

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Alcohol abuse harms health.

Health experts confirm that the idea of light or moderate alcohol consumption being harmless or even beneficial is outdated. "We know from research that there is no safe lower limit for alcohol," said medical journalist Marleen Finoulst. "You cannot say that alcohol contributes to health." She added that while quantity matters, and light consumption shows no clear impact on survival, problems arise with higher and long-term intake.

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Together enjoying a drink on a terrace, we all enjoy that. But alcohol is harmful.

Emeritus professor of psychiatry Frieda Matthys echoed this, stating, "Every use of alcohol carries some risk. A little alcohol means a little risk, a lot of alcohol a bigger risk." Alcohol affects nearly every organ, primarily the brain in the short term, leading to feelings of looseness and reduced inhibition.

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It increases the risk of serious cancers and can lead to severe addictions. As a government, we want to inform young people and adults correctly.