RESOLUTIONof the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Councilof 29 May 1986on alcohol abuse(86/C 184/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Whereas the consumption of alcoholic beverages has in general increased considerably in the countries of the European Community;

Whereas in many countries the increase in alcohol abuse, which may be encouraged by the increase in consumption (1) , is causing serious concern for public health and social welfare;

Whereas the constant improvement of the living and working conditions of their peoples is an essential objective;

Aware that the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages is an important factor in the economy of most Member States;

Considering that, at European level, a joint initiative is advisable in the field of the prevention of alcohol abuse;

Having regard to the findings of the study of P. Davies and D. Walsh entitled 'Alcohol problems and alcohol control in Europe' (London, Croom Helm, 1983) which was carried out and published on behalf of the Commission;

Whereas, pursuant to the Council resolution of 19 May 1981 on a second programme of the European Economic Community for a consumer protection and information policy (2) , the Commission will 'assess to what extent divergences in measures taken by Member States in regard to these (alcoholic beverages) affect the Community market and, where necessary, make appropriate proposals'; whereas it will 'take such other initiatives in support of actions undertaken in Member States as may be appropriate in the more general context of problems associated with the use or abuse of such products by consumers',

invite the Commission to weigh carefully the interests involved in the production, distribution and promotion of alcoholic beverages, and public health interests and to conduct a balanced policy to this end;

invite the Commission to examine what measures may contribute effectively towards achieving the objective of this resolution and, where necessary, to submit appropriate proposals to the Council;

note that Community measures to be taken in future in this field should be closely coordinated with measures already taken on these problems within the framework of the World Health Organization.

(1) NL: reservation; wanted: 'which is a concomitant of the increase in consumption'.

(2) OJ No C 133, 3. 6. 1981, p. 6.