Estonian Alcohol Policy from the temperance union perspectiveLauri Beekmann

Estonian Temperance Union

December 2006

The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia With unwavering faith and a steadfast will to strengthen and develop the

state,

which is established on the inextinguishable right of the people of Estonia to national self-determination and which was proclaimed on 24 February 1918,

which is founded on liberty, justice and law,

which shall protect internal and external peace, and is a pledge to present and future generations for their social progress and welfare,

which shall guarantee the preservation of the Estonian nation and culture through the ages,

the people of Estonia, on the basis of § 1 of the Constitution which entered into force in 1938, and by a referendum held on 28 June 1992, adopted the following Constitution.

Alcohol consumption: Estonia 86% of Estonians drink Men, young people and with lower education In last 10 years - drastic increase 11 litres per capita (13,5 litres over 15 years) Young people: 60% aged 10-13 have tried

alcohol

Alcohol related harm: EstoniaAverage lifetime of Estonian men - 12 years shorter than in EU

countries and 15 years shorter than in Sweden.

50% of the car accidents, 50% of the drownings, 74% of the violence related crime and 80% of the violent crime commited by the juveniles are connected with alcohol

2000 deaths in a year connected with alcohol (population 1,3 million)

Estonia, alcohol paradise for Finns Free flow of alcohol in EU Unlimited amounts from Estonia to Finland Alcohol three times cheaper in Estonia 78% of the Finnish tourists bought alcohol from

Estonia

November 2006 Laps ohutsoonis: alkohol 7

Changes: drunk before 13 years of age

Allikas: Hibell B. The ESPAD Report 2003. Stockholm; 2004.

Alcohol policy: EstoniaAlcoholism and Drug Prevention Program 1997-2007CANCELLEDFrom January 2005 - National Drug Prevention Strategy

Current situation -

No alcohol specialists in governmental structures.

Alcohol not mentioned in Estonian Governments Coalition Agreement.

Excise duty – 5% raise

Alcohol excise duty was raised by 5% from 2005, and yet the price of alcoholic beverages has increased less than standard of living.

Excise duty increase delayed

The government has delayed until 2008 increases in excise duty planned for mid-2006 and early 2007 in order to maximise the chances of meeting the Maastricht inflation criterion in mid-2007 and joining the euro zone in January 2008. Even with this delay in the tax increases, there is a significant risk that inflation will be too high to allow Estonia to adopt the euro in 2008.

Alcohol policy: availability

Availability of alcohol and restrictions connected with it has been important object for discussion in recent years, which resulted in prohibiting of alcohol sales in kiosks and implementing sales restrictions by local governments.

Availability

Article 42 of the Alcohol Act provides that in its administrative territory, a local government council may establish restrictions concerning the selection, places of sale and forms of sale in retail trade in alcoholic beverages. One after another the local governments have exercised this right. Police have made recommendations to different regions to follow that example.

Amendment: ban of sale from 23.00-7.00

Selling to minors

Estonian Parliament accepted (12.12.2004) the law that makes the second time alcohol selling to the minor a criminal act. Punishment for that crime could be up to one-year imprisonment.

Alcohol advertising - currently Beer ads from 20.00 Strong alcohol from 21.00

TV3 shows every Saturday evening, starting 21.00 movies which main audience are young people if not even children. Last Saturday they showed comedy “Thunderbirds” and this Saturday “Jurassic park”.

Amendment: ban from 22.00-8.00

Advertisments/Media: Estonia Advertisement of all forms of alcohol is banned in

Estonia if it: Is directed to children and adolescents up to 18 years of age; Features persons under 18 of age in promotion campaigns; Links consumption of alcohol with improvement of the physical

condition; Links consumption of alcohol with driving; Links consumption of alcohol with physical activity improvement,

personal problem resolution, social success, and higher sexual activity;

Presents false and (or) deceptive information about alcoholic beverages

Lack of consensus

Ministry of Justice opposes the governemntal law that prohibits alcohol sale during night hours.

Ministry of Justice proposes to accept alcohol consumption in public places.

Ministry of Justice supports the raising of BAC of drivers to 0,49%.

Roundtable of ministries

Jaak Aab, Minister of Social Affairs, convened a roundtable (september 2006) of different ministries to form a unified understanding of alcohol policy principles.

Estonian Temperance Union has been asked to be an adviser.

Cost effective policy

Estonian research supports the international findings (Taavi Lai, Tartu University 2005).

Most cost-effective political changes would be: Raising taxes Curtailing availability Banning alcohol advertising

NGO recommendations

Enforcement of the current laws Children and youth – priority in policy making Public health more important than economy Support for the NGO-s in the field Creating alternatives for alcohol-free lifestyle Need for Estonian alcohol strategy

Thank you! lauri@ave.ee www.ave.ee