German Government Official Calls for Stricter Alcohol Rules for Minors
In stark contrast to the current guidelines, Germany's Drug and Addiction Czar, Burkhard Blienert (SPD), believes that minors should be barred from drinking alcohol altogether. Addressing the "Rheinische Post," Blienert declared, "Alcohol consumption should only be permitted once you turn 18, once you reach adulthood." This stance aligns with Blienert's long-standing demand that the legal drinking age be raised for minors.
At present, the Youth Protection Act allows teenagers to consume alcoholic beverages like beer or wine in public, as long as they're accompanied by an adult guardian. Blienert criticized this practice, stating, "I can't say anything good about drinking in the company of an adult at 14 years old." He cited alcohol's toxic properties, which take effect even from the initial sip, and its negative impact on teenagers who are still developing physically.
Pressure for Stronger Legislation
The Council of Health Ministers of the States addressed this issue in June, and they agreed to reassess the Youth Protection Act's regulations by November. Germany's Federal Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), also advocates for prohibiting so-called "accompanied drinking" for individuals aged 14 to 16.
Blienert expressed his optimism, stating that the ongoing discussions around a strict 'from the age of 16' would hopefully lead to beneficial changes in alcohol consumption policies. The Council is expected to adopt implementing acts to reinforce the age limit for 'accompanied drinking,' as per Article 113.
The DEG's Recent Warning Against Alcohol
Just a few weeks ago, the German Nutrition Society (DEG) revised its stance on alcohol, urging people to abstain from drinking altogether due to its negative health effects, even in moderation. The DEG's position paper cited the numerous health problems associated with alcohol consumption, such as increased risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The expert organization further advised against large quantities of alcohol because children, teenagers, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid it entirely.
The Controversy Surrounding Alcohol Consumption
Researchers from the University of Victoria, Canada, analyzed 107 long-term studies on the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality. They found that previous studies suggesting health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption were biased due to study design flaws. Even moderate consumption can have adverse effects on individuals, especially the young.
Conclusion
Health organizations around the world, such as the World Health Organization, generally advocate against alcohol consumption due to its health risks. Despite the pressure to crack down on underage drinking in Germany, the issue remains contentious. Blienert's unwavering stand on raising the legal drinking age for minors continues to spark debate in Germany.
