www.alkoholpolitik.ch

New laws designed to restrict alcohol sales in France are a direct result of a recent spike in what is being referred to as “le binge drinking” by French youth. The legislation — which would raise the minimum purchase age for alcohol and tobacco from 16 to 18 — was proposed in response to a 50-percent rise in the number of minors under the age of 15 hospitalized due to alcohol problems between 2004 and 2007. A government-issued report warned of “a worrying rise in massive alcohol use by young people.” The national assembly voted to ban “open bars” that offer unlimited drinks for a single entry price. A ban on alcohol sales at service stations — considered a major source for youth drinking — between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. is also part of the new law. On the other hand the parliament also agreed to allow advertising of alcoholic drinks on the Internet. (Source: Join Together, 3/18/09)