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Culture without borders. / La culture sans frontières.

In Belgium, Brewers Criticize the Message ‘Alcohol Harms Health’

Belgium plans to change the health warning on alcohol ads from 'excessive alcohol harms health' to 'alcohol harms health,' following WHO advice. Brewers oppose, citing cultural heritage.


Daniel Weiss
Daniel Weiss
October 11, 2026  ·  1 min read
B-Empire Magazine
Brief

The Belgian government is set to enact a decree changing the health warning on alcohol advertisements. The phrase “excessive alcohol harms health” will be replaced by “alcohol harms health.”

This new wording aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that no level of alcohol consumption is without risk.

On October 7, parliamentary debates were heated, reflecting the controversy surrounding this measure.

Belgian brewers reacted strongly, accusing the government of attacking a national cultural heritage. In response, they launched a press campaign to defend their position.

Sources

  • RFI (FR) — Belgique: fronde des brasseurs contre le nouveau message de prévention sur l'alcool (2026-10-09)

B-Empire Magazine newsroom — reported from the sources cited above. Live feed

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