Germany's Drugs Commissioner Calls Out Germany's Alcohol and Tobacco Problem
Alcohol and Tobacco Posing Issues for Drug Commissioner in Germany
Heads up, folks! Germany's Drugs Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck (CDU), has identified a problem that's close to home - alcohol and tobacco. "We've got a serious alcohol and tobacco issue in Germany, and it's high time we addressed it," Streeck said in an interview with "The World" (Monday edition).
Alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in our culture, but Streeck argues that cultural shifts happen gradually, and it's about damn time we started talking about it. One of his proposals? Abolishing the practice of "accompanied drinking" in Germany, which allows children as young as 14 to drink alcohol with their parents. He explains that just because adults are present, it doesn't make alcohol any less harmful. This change could help reduce overall consumption.
However, Streeck doesn't think debating a general increase in the minimum age for alcohol consumption is a productive approach. He believes the focus should instead be on prevention and education.
In Germany, current regulations around minors drinking are primarily covered by the Protection of Young Persons Act. This includes:- Minors can drink beer and wine at the age of 16, but spirits and other hard liquors are off-limits until they're 18.- Unaccompanied children under 16 can enter licensed premises during certain hours (5 a.m. to 11 p.m.) to drink with their parents or legal guardians.- Minors are restricted from entering certain establishments like bars, discotheques, and nightclubs, but there's no general curfew regulating their presence in public places outside these venues.
So far, there are no specific proposed changes to the regulations around accompanied drinking by minors in Germany. However, broader discussions about alcohol consumption and its implications are ongoing, such as the European Commission's proposals to harmonize alcohol labeling. Additionally, there are growing concerns about alcohol-related problems across all age groups, which are being addressed through educational campaigns and public health initiatives.
So, there you have it folks, time to take a good, hard look at our relationship with alcohol and tobacco. Let's turn the tide and make a change for the better!
Sources: ntv.de, AFP and additional enrichment data.
- The community and employment policies in Germany could benefit from addressing the nation's alcohol and tobacco problem, as suggested by Germany's Drugs Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck.
- In line with the health-and-wellness focus of science and nutrition, it's crucial for Germany to prioritize prevention and education to tackle the prevailing alcohol and tobacco issue.
