| Abstract: | Abstract In July 2003, it was reported that twelve alcoholics were attempting to sue drink manufacturers for failing to warn them of the dangers of drinking alcohol. This alleged failure to warn is remarkably similar to the alleged failure to warn on which the flood of tobacco claims in the United States and Europe was based, resulting in a dramatic increase in regulation, including the requirement that tobacco products must carry health warnings. Could this gentle trickle of interest in litigating against alcoholic drinks manufacturers be the beginning of a torrent of tobacco-style regulation and litigation? This article examines the history of the health warning and asks whether it is likely that alcohol health warnings will become mandatory in Europe and, more specifically, the United Kingdom. |
