Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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347. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to implement the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, in particular the policy regarding minimum unit pricing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9353/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was enacted in October 2018. In November I commenced 23 of the 31 Sections of the Act including to provide that:

From 12 November 2019:

- Alcohol advertising in or on public service vehicles, at public transport stops or stations and within 200 metres of a school, a crèche or a local authority playground will be prohibited.

- Alcohol advertising in a cinema will be prohibited except around films with an 18 classification orin a licensed premises in a cinema.

- Children’s clothing that promotes alcohol will be prohibited.

From 12 November 2020:

In mixed retail outlets alcohol products and advertising are confined to one of the following:

- an area separated by a 1.2 metre high barrier, or

- units in which alcohol products are not visible up to 1.5 metres height, or

- up to three units that can be a maximum of 1 metre wide by 2.2 metres high.

In addition alcohol products can be contained but not be visible in a unit behind the counter.

From 12 November 2021:

- Alcohol advertising on a sports area during a sporting event, at events aimed at children or at events in which the majority of participants or competitors are children is prohibited.

- Alcohol sponsorship of events aimed at children, events which the majority of participants or competitors are children and events involving driving or racing motor vehicles is prohibited.

I am continuing to progress the remaining sections of the Act and will seek a revised Government Decision to implement the Minimum Unit Pricing provision after there is more certainty in relation to the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and its impacts.