The end of the happy hour?

Health ministers at both federal and regional levels have come together to prepare a plan of action aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, the Sudpresse newspapers report today. Among the 28 measures in the so-called ‘Alcohol Plan 2014-2018’ is a ban on ‘happy hours’ in bars and the introduction of a minimum price for alcoholic beverages. Approximately 12% of Belgians drinks alcohol on a daily basis while the average Belgian has 11 glasses of alcoholic beverages per week. Other measures discussed by health ministers include a ban on the sale of alcohol in night shops and motorway services. ‘Alcohol Plan 2014-2018’ also makes it compulsory at all times for police forces to breathalyse all parties involved in a road accident.