We call on Irish government to stay strong on alcohol warning labels
The government of the Republic of Ireland must ensure that the planned introduction of alcohol health labels, in May 2026, which are mandated under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, come into force without delay.
Dr Giota Mitrou, our Executive Director of Research and Policy, has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, in support of Ireland’s forthcoming mandatory health warnings labels on alcohol.
We are calling on the Irish government to stand firm on alcohol labelling in the face of misleading representations from the alcohol industry, and resist outside influence. Doing so, Dr Mitrou writes, will solidify Ireland’s record as a world leader on public health and set a much-needed example for other governments across the globe.
Health labels on alcohol crucial to preventing cancer
From 2026, all alcohol products sold in the Republic of Ireland will be required to state: “There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers”. This measure makes Ireland the first country in the world to mandate a warning linking any level of alcohol consumption to cancer.
Yet Ireland is facing resistance to these measures from the alcohol industry in Ireland and worldwide.
Drinking any type of alcohol increases your risk of 7 different types of cancer, and our evidence shows that there is no safe level of drinking.
For Cancer Prevention Action Week 2025, on 23–29 June, we’re highlighting the links between alcohol and cancer and encouraging an open conversation about alcohol’s many harms.
> On the blog: How Ireland beat the odds to introduce cancer warning labels on alcohol
Dr Giota Mitrou
We strongly support alcohol health warning labels. This is not only an evidenced-based policy but also has immense public backing in Ireland, with 70% of those polled supportive of the measure. Crucially, the provision marks a significant step towards the Irish Government fulfilling their duty to protect the public from alcohol harm and reduce preventable cancers.
More on alcohol risks
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While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.