Doctors call for ban on night alcohol sales and accountability in culture and sports

The Presidium of the Supreme Medical Council has made two appeals, which constitute a common position of the medical community on the problem of excessive alcohol consumption in Poland. The demands concern limiting the availability of alcohol during nighttime hours and the resignation of public figures from participating in its advertising. The doctors cite data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the local experience of local governments, pointing to the negative consequences of alcohol on health, safety and the health care system.

- Doctors in emergency departments see every day the serious consequences of excessive alcohol consumption - from injuries to life-threatening injuries. That's why we are calling for sensible restrictions on alcohol sales during nighttime hours, which can realistically relieve the burden on EDs and improve patient and staff safety. It is well known that public figures have a special contribution to make in shaping public attitudes. Instead of promoting alcohol, it is worthwhile for them to use their popularity to inspire young people with physical activity, healthy lifestyles and sports. It is such role models who build a stronger and healthier society," comments NRL Vice President Klaudiusz Komor.

Ban on night alcohol sales

In an appeal, the Presidium of the NRL asked state authorities to introduce a nationwide ban on the sale of alcohol at night outside licensed drinking establishments. Doctors stress that in cities that have already introduced such restrictions, safety has improved, the number of police and municipal police interventions has decreased, and the number of patients admitted to hospitals at night due to alcohol abuse has declined.

The medical association also points out that nighttime alcohol sales contribute to the overloading of hospital emergency departments, increase waiting times for other patients and expose medical staff to aggression from intoxicated patients.

The WHO recommends limiting the availability of alcohol as one of the key tools for reducing health and social harm. According to doctors, a ban on sales from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. could significantly improve the situation.

Appeal to the world of culture and sports

The second appeal is addressed to representatives of culture and sports. The PNRL appeals that people of authority and popularity should not take part in alcohol advertisements, which, according to doctors, have a major impact on the high consumption of alcoholic beverages in Poland.

The medical association reminds that alcohol is responsible for more than 200 diseases and injuries, including cancer, heart disease, hypertension, digestive problems and obesity. - There is no safe amount of alcohol, the doctors stress, pointing out that every drink contains the same harmful compound: ethyl alcohol.

According to the WHO, the average consumption of pure alcohol in Poland is 11.6 liters per person over the age of 15, among the highest rates in the world. At the same time, the prices of alcohol in relation to earnings are among the lowest in the EU, which further increases its availability.

PNRL is concerned that well-known cultural and sports figures are engaging in advertising campaigns by alcohol companies. - Advertisements using the image of people who are widely known and liked are one of the main factors that translate into an increase in alcohol sales and consumption, the medical authority points out.

Shared responsibility

Both PNRL appeals point to the need for comprehensive action: legal regulation, restriction of advertising, health education and promotion of healthy lifestyles. The doctors stress that only coordinated action can reduce the dramatically high consumption of alcohol in Poland and limit its health, social and economic consequences.

Source: NIL