In the Cabinet’s view, there is little or no point in talking to the beverage industry about preventing alcohol abuse. State Secretary Van Ooijen is therefore ending the consultations, he informed the House of Representatives.

In recent years, little action has been taken to protect public health from these discussions, despite the urgency, says Van Ooijen. “This is essentially because the differences between the views and interests of alcohol producers and health organizations, for example, seem irreconcilable.”

The previous cabinet had invited various parties to one table as part of the National Prevention Agreement. On behalf of the spirits trade, among others, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, Slijtersunie, the Dutch Beverage Trade Association and on behalf of the Health Foundation Youth and Alcohol, Addiction Research Netherlands and Zorgverzekeraars Nederland.

Van Ooijen: “The points of view at the table are irreconcilable. I want to break this impasse.” Healthcare organizations in particular were increasingly uncomfortable with the talks.

The Dutch Association of Beverage and Catering Inspectors (NVDI) and the Dutch institute for alcohol policy STAP left the consultation on October 5th in protest. They do not agree with the government’s intention to allow shops to serve alcohol, an old wish of the VVD.

The Secretary of State will continue to consult with all parties to achieve the goals of the National Prevention Agreement, but the government no longer seeks to engage alcohol producers and distributors in politics.