91999E0557

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0557/99

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Alcohol consumption

The Spanish National Drugs Programme has reported that new drug users are young people, students and people in steady jobs, who consume different types of drug (psychostimulants, alcohol, tobacco and cocaine) in large quantities at weekends. Of all the drugs involved, the Programme places particular emphasis on alcohol consumption, and figures show that 35 % of the population began drinking alcohol before the age of 16. Moreover, 1,1 % of the population admit to getting drunk every day, while 2,1 % get drunk once a week. The figures show that 39 % of regular drinkers consume alcohol on weekdays and 67 % at weekends, with an unprecedented increase in alcohol consumption among women, which matches that of men. Among 15-18 year-olds, girls drink more than boys and 70.4 % of young people in this age-group drink some form of alcohol at weekends. The Programme is particularly concerned by society's tolerance of alcohol consumption.

Does the Commission have similar data concerning the other Member States and, if so, can it make this information available?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 1999)

The Commission is aware of the problem of alcohol consumption among teenagers and younger adults.

Most of the Member States have some data on alcohol consumption through questions asked in national health interview surveys. A majority of Member States have also carried out ad-hoc surveys - with questions on alcohol consumption - directly addressed to teenagers and younger adults. However intra-Community comparability between Member States is seriously hampered since data are not collected at the same time and because of significant differences in definitions and survey methodology.

A comparative analysis of the most recent data is being undertaken under the Community statistical programme 1998-2002 (Decision 99/126/EC)(1) and more particularly under the Community action programme on health monitoring (Decision 1400/97/EC(2)). In addition, under the Biomed 2 programme a project was launched aiming at preparing a common survey instrument for alcohol consumption.

(1) OJ L 42, 16.2.1999.

(2) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997.