CONCERNED with the high level of alcohol advertisements and the exposure of the substance to children, Health Minster Dr Fenton Ferguson, has called for a meeting with critical players in the alcohol industry to address the issue.

“I want to have discussions with the players in the alcohol industry to see how best we can see a convergence of our objectives,” said Dr Ferguson.

The minister, however, promised not to implement any harsh sanctions on the promotion or advertisement of the intoxicating beverages despite his concern.

“I do not intend to put forward any draconian legislation. I recognise that the alcohol industry is a business but I am still saying, let us protect our children,” he added.

Dr Ferguson, while noting that alcohol was among the contributing factors to chronic non-communicable diseases, said that alcohol reduction is a part of the ministry’s risk factor management approach, to lowering the prevalence of the diseases.

According to the minister, who was speaking Wednesday at a dedication ceremony for a new mammography machine at the Jamaica Cancer Society in Kingston, he has already met with stakeholders in the food industry, the private sector and academia in respect to nutrition.

“We must deal with labelling and declaring the caloric value in foods to give people a choice. Obesity, especially in children, is a major concern,” said Dr Ferguson.

The minister’s call for a meeting comes fresh on the heels of concerns raised about the advertising of alcoholic beverages during prime time.

Dr Ferguson argued that the practice was fuelling the idea that liquors like white rum were the drink of choice.