Alcohol Regulations Act 676

ON 7 OCT 676/27 JAN 2025
THE FOLLOWING ACT WAS ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WITH 15 AYE, 14 NAY, 0 ABSTAINS

---

WHEREAS the responsible regulation of alcohol is imperative to safeguard public health, ensure public safety, and promote social well-being;

WHEREAS the General Assembly recognises the necessity of comprehensive measures to address the economic, social, and health-related challenges associated with alcohol consumption and sales;

WHEREAS it is in the public interest to establish clear and enforceable licensing requirements for alcohol vendors, to prohibit outdoor alcohol consumption in unauthorised areas, and to impose specific regulations in high-risk zones;

WHEREAS the dissemination of public education on the risks associated with alcohol consumption and the enforcement of appropriate penalties are vital to fostering a culture of responsibility and compliance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the General Assembly, with due consideration for the welfare of the populace and the economic implications thereof, that the following measures be adopted to regulate the licensing, sale, and consumption of alcohol, and to allocate the necessary funds for their implementation and enforcement.

Article I - Budgetary Effects

1.1 - The following funds will be allocated in regards to Article II - Alcohol Licencing Requirements:

1.1.1 - 2 Million Florins per annum for the dissemination of new licences.

1.1.2 - 5 Million Florins per annum for the inspection and audits of vendors.

1.1.3 - 3 Million Florins per annum for the maintance of a public registry.

1.2 - The following funds will be allocated in regards to Article III - Prohibition of Outdoor Drinking:

1.2.1 - 1 Million Florins per annum for the development and distribution of public notices and signage.

1.2.2 - 4 Million Florins per annum for enforcement.

1.3 - The following funds will be allocated in regards to Article IV - Sales and Consumption of Alcohol in High-Risk Areas:

1.3.1 - 3 Million Florins per annum for identifying and designating high-risk areas through studies and consultations.

1.3.2 - 10 Million Florins per annum for Enforcement and Inspections

1.3.3 - 2 Million Florins per annum for administrative purposes such as fines and revoking licences.

1.4 - The following funds will be allocated in regards to Article V - Alcohol Public Education:

1.4.1 - 10 Million Florins per annum for nationwide campaigns via TV, radio, social media, and local events.

1.4.2 - 8 Million Florins per annum for partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and community groups for targeted education.

1.4.3 - 2 Million Florins per annum for development of resources, such as helplines and online support tools.

Article II - Alcohol Licencing Requirements

2.1 - This article hereby creates Section One - Alcohol Licencing Requirements, under Title II - Health and Education, Sub-Title I - Health, Chapter 4 - Food and Beverage Safety and Regulations.

2.2 - The section shall enact:

Section One - Alcohol Licencing Requirements

1.1 - Within 12 months of the Act's enactment, the Ministry of Health and Education shall implement a policy to strengthen the standards for acquiring and maintaining an alcohol sales licence. This policy shall comprise the following provisions:

1.1.1 - Any applicants for an alcohol sales licence must demonstrate compliance with all relevant laws as well as public health and safety regulations, as well as a track record of responsible business operations.

1.1.2 - Licensees must get regular training on safe alcohol sales and consumption, with proof of training presented to the appropriate authorities at least once every two years.

1.1.3 - Local authorities will conduct annual inspections of alcohol-selling outlets to verify continued compliance with health and safety requirements, including age verification processes and alcohol consumption restrictions.

1.1.4 - Any vendor found in violation of these restrictions will face penalties such as fines, suspension, or revocation of their licence, depending on the severity of the infringement.

1.2 - The Ministry of Health and Education shall create a public registry of licensed alcohol vendors that is accessible to the public and includes compliance records, inspection findings, and any disciplinary actions taken.

Article III - Prohibition of Outdoor Drinking

3.1 - This article hereby creates Section Two - Alcohol Licencing Requirements, under Title II - Health and Education, Sub-Title I - Health, Chapter 5 - Food and Beverage Safety and Regulations.

3.2 The section shall enact:

Section Two - Prohibition of Outdoor Drinking

2.1 - It shall be unlawful for any individual to consume alcohol in any outdoor public location, unless specifically specified by local authorities or licensed establishments.

2.2 - Local governments shall be authorised to create designated locations or events where outdoor alcohol drinking is permitted, subject to rules that protect public health and safety.

2.3 - The Ministry of Health and Education shall issue clear guidelines within six months of the implementation of this Act, specifying:

2.3.1 - The criteria for designating areas where outdoor alcohol consumption may occur.

2.3.2 - The conditions under which alcohol consumption is permitted, such as crowd management, safety precautions, and time limits.

2.4 - Anyone seen consuming alcohol in an unauthorised outdoor public location shall be fined between 50 and 200 florins, depending on the severity of the infringement. Repeat offenders may face increased fines or other punishments imposed by local authorities.

Article IV - Sales and Consumption of Alcohol in high-risk areas

4.1 - This article hereby creates Section Three - Sales and Consumption of Alcohol in high-risk areas, under Title II - Health and Education, Sub-Title I - Health, Chapter 6 - Food and Beverage Safety and Regulations.

4:2 - The section shall enact:

Section Three - Sales and Consumption of Alcohol in high-risk areas

3.1 - The Ministry of Health and Education, in collaboration with local governments, must identify and designate specific high-risk areas where alcohol sales and consumption pose major threats to public health and safety. These regions may include areas with a high prevalence of alcohol-related harm, such as violence, addiction, or public disorder.

3.1.1 -This classification shall be evaluated every two years, with an evaluation of the efficiency of the imposed measures, the availability and accessibility of alcohol addiction support programmes, and the potential impact on neighbouring communities. Any changes to the limits will be made in collaboration with community members and public health professionals.

3.2 - In high-risk areas, the Ministry may execute one or more of the steps listed below:

3.2.1 - Complete prohibition of alcohol sales and consumption.

3.2.2 - Restrictions on alcohol sales during certain hours, such as prohibiting sales after a designated time in the evening.

3.2.3 - Limitations on the sorts of alcohol that can be sold (such as prohibiting the sale of high-proof alcohol).

3.3 - Local governments in high-risk areas shall be responsible for enforcing these measures, which may include heightened patrols, inspections, and penalties for noncompliance.

3.4 - Any individual or business found violating alcohol sales and consumption limitations in specified high-risk areas will be fined between 200 and 1,000 Florins, depending on the type and frequency of the offence. Repeat offenders may face extra penalties, such as the suspension or termination of their alcohol sales licence.

Article V - Alcohol Public Education

5.1 - Hereby creates Section Four - Alcohol Public Education, under Title II - Health and Education, Sub-Title I - Health, Chapter 7 - Public Health Programs.

5.2 - The section shall enact:

Section Four - Alcohol Public Education

4.1 - The Ministry of Health and Education shall be responsible for the development and implementation of public education campaigns, which shall focus on:

4.1.1 - Promoting responsible drinking behaviors, including the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

4.1.2 - Educating the public on the health risks of alcohol usage, particularly long-term health consequences and its role in accidents and violence.

4.1.3 - Providing information and resources for individuals seeking support for alcohol-related issues, including addiction and mental health services.

4.2 - The Ministry will work with local governments, schools, and community organisations to deliver these educational activities, ensuring that campaigns are targeted to varied audiences and communities.

4.3 - The Ministry will conduct frequent reviews of the effectiveness of these instructional and enforcement efforts, and an annual status report with recommendations will be provided.

Article VI - Proportional Enforcement Measures

6.1 - Hereby creates Section Five - Proportional Enforcement Measures, under Title II - Health and Education, Sub-Title I - Health, Chapter 7 - Public Health Programs.

6.2 - The section shall enact:

Section Five - Proportional Enforcement Measures

5.1 – The implementation of this Act shall prioritise remedial and educational methods over punitive penalties. First-time offenders will receive warnings and advice about safe alcohol usage and public behaviour.

5.2 - Repeat offences shall be dealt using a graduated penalty system, which may involve mild fines (ranging from 100 to 500 florins) and referrals to community service or educational programs, rather than instant criminal sanctions.

5.3 - Unless there is a concomitant public disturbance, danger to others, or violation of other public safety regulations or other relevant laws, law enforcement cannot hold someone for the simple reason that they consumed alcohol in public.

Written by John Wedgewood MGA, Minister of Health and Education'’