Responding to the news that The Republic of Ireland is planning to introduce health warning labels on alcohol products from 2026, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: 

“The disproportionate new rules requiring beers sold on the Irish market from 2026 to include health warnings on product labels are extremely concerning.  We believe there remains a lack of substantive evidence to support these measures, which also risk introducing a significant barrier to trade with Ireland for UK brewers and the rest of the world.

“It is particularly surprising and worrying that the Irish Government has decided to sign new rules for alcohol labels into law ahead of the conclusion of the official notification process to the World Trade Organisation. The consultation process is intended to allow WTO members and stakeholders to review new policies to ensure they are workable and do not result in technical barriers to international trade. However, in this case, at least 10 WTO Member States, including the UK, have lodged objections. The Irish Government has yet to respond to these comments, which are due to be discussed at a June WTO committee meeting, but as an industry we will be keeping a close eye on developments in this area.”