On 5 June the EU Health Council met and discussed measures against alcohol-based stimulating beverages, widely known as alcopops. There was concern that the beverages are being targeted at young people and children, and there were calls for Community-wide measures be taken. No legislative measures were discussed but Padraig Flynn, Health Commissioner, was asked to consider any legal options. Heavy taxes and a code of conduct for marketing were also considered.
Sweden has already announced (30 May) that it would ask the EU to double taxes on alcopops
in an effort to eliminate them from the beverages market. Swedish Social Affairs and Health Minister Margo Wallstrom said she would seek amendments to an EU Directive so that alcopops could be taxed at the same level as spirits; they currently face the same levy as wine and beer.
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