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In recent years, a growingly strict approach toward alcoholic beverages has been spreading, with proposals for restrictive policies aimed at treating alcohol in the same way as tobacco. Alarmist labels, new taxes, sales limitations, and severe advertising restrictions are just some of the measures being discussed at both European and global levels. These proposals are based on the assumption that alcohol consumption is inherently harmful to health, without distinguishing between moderate use and abuse.

But is this really the right path? The most recent data tells a different story.

The data is clear: harmful consumption is decreasing

The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health published by the WHO in 2024 offers us an encouraging picture: in the European Union, harmful alcohol use and deaths linked to excessive consumption have decreased by more than 20% in recent years.
Even the behaviors of greatest concern are showing positive trends:

• Binge drinking rates are consistently declining.
• Deaths related to drunk driving have decreased.
• Alcohol consumption among minors is significantly dropping.

Europeans are already changing their habits, adopting a more moderate and responsible drinking style. This is an important result, often ignored in public debate.

Enough bans: we need targeted prevention

These advances show that we are moving in the right direction. The real issue today is not alcohol consumption itself, but abuse, which concerns specific situations and groups. Policies must therefore be targeted: effective tools are needed to address those who continue to drink irresponsibly, while consumers should be informed, educated, and empowered – not frightened.

True prevention does not rely on blanket bans or on demonizing alcoholic beverages. It is not about preventing people from enjoying a glass of wine or beer in a conscious and moderate way but about reducing risky behaviors and promoting a strong culture of individual responsibility.

Valuing the social and cultural dimension of alcohol

In Europe, wine and beer have always been part of our culture and our social life. Meeting with friends, sharing a family meal, enjoying a drink together are moments that nourish not just the body, but also the mind.

The key, as always, is balance – a core principle of the Mediterranean diet, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In this model, wine – just like beer in many local traditions – is included in moderate quantities within a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Penalizing these moments risks impoverishing our social fabric without delivering real public health benefits.

Educate, don’t punish

The most effective path is to promote a balanced and mindful lifestyle, in line with the Mediterranean diet and the principles of moderation. Policies should:

• Support citizens in making informed choices.
• Focus on those with at-risk behaviors.
• Value moderate consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.

This approach requires the collaboration of all: institutions, the scientific community, businesses, and civil society must work together to build a culture of responsibility.

A constructive approach to health

We have already made significant progress in reducing harmful alcohol consumption. It is time to recognize these achievements and move beyond punitive and generalized approaches. What we need are targeted solutions based on education, information, and individual responsibility – not indiscriminate restrictions that penalize even those who consume alcohol in moderation.

Policy makers, researchers, civil society, and businesses must work together to promote a balanced lifestyle that values social interaction and those moments of conviviality that have been at the heart of European culture for centuries.

Read UPF: More Ideology Than Scientific Evidence>>>