National policy on alcohol soon: Ramadoss

After a series of scathing attacks on smoking eventually culminating into its countrywide ban in public places, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has announced to implement soon a national policy for alcohol control.

The Health Ministry will take some action on controlling or even banning alcohol within few months, Ramadoss said at the inaugural session of the National Policy on Alcohol Control in Chennai on Saturday.

He, however, clarified that a blanket ban on liquor like tobacco would not be possible as it was a State subject; so the order would largely be recommendatory in nature.

The detailed outline of the policy on liquor will take some times and will be completed in few months; Dr. Ramadoss said adding that his Ministry has been seeking suggestions from experts and scientists on the policy over the past month.

The framework of the liquor policy might deal in areas such as regulating the number of shops selling liquor, their working hours, strict implementation of not selling alcohol to minors, and the pricing of products.

Expressing concern over the increasing dangerous trend of alcohol consumption even in women, Ramadoss said: “In cities like Bangalore and Chennai even women are going out on weekends for smoking and drinking. This trend must be stopped.”

Over the ban on smoking in public places also backed by the Supreme Court, he said the ban has been gaining overwhelming response in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Delhi. Tamil Nadu is also doing well but need to do more, Ramadoss said urging the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to implement complete prohibition in the state.

Where there is not being implemented the ban strictly, Ramadoss hoped no-smoking law would make smokers relinquish the ill habbit or at least encourage them to quit smoking.

Dr. Ramadoss said the rule to depict pictorial warnings on packs containing tobacco and related products would come into force on December 1.

The Centre will soon launch a campaign, advertising gross pictures to highlight the ill effects of smoking, as part of its strategy to persuade people to kick the butt, he said.