To make it easier for the industry, Ireland will allow the warnings to be made via stickers. The law also requires a crossed-out image of a pregnant woman drinking as well as information on how many calories and how much alcohol the beverage contains.
Many alcohol industry players, such as the European Committee of Wine Companies, argue the warnings fail to distinguish between alcohol abuse and moderate consumption. Frank Murray, a consultant hepatologist and chair of Alcohol Action Ireland, said the evidence linking alcohol to cancer, drinking during pregnancy and liver damage is clear.The WTO set a strong precedent in 2018 when the trade body’s dispute settlement arm upheld Australia’s right to impose plain package label restrictions on the sale of tobacco products, something sharply opposed by the cigarette industry.