France
In France, during the last trimester of the year, the Finance law and the Social Security Financing law projects are discussed. They establish the State and the Social security budgets for the following year. Thus, this time represents an opportunity to draw MPs’ attention to alcohol-related harm. Thanks to past Social Security Financing laws, prémixes (mixes of sugary non-alcoholic beverages and liquors or wines) have been subjected to increased taxes, which decreased their appeal among teenagers.
However, a recent study conducted by Association Addictions France highlighted that alcohol is still widely accessible to minors and that 9 out of 10 shops involved in the study did not comply with the current age restrictions on alcohol sales. Association Addictions France has been advocating for the regulation of alcohol pricing measures and promotions. One of their objectives is the introduction of a tax on flavoured and sugary alcoholic beverages, which are often specifically formulated to attract young populations.