Cancer charity pushes for stronger alcohol warning, sparking wine lobby backlash

La Ligue contre le cancer has called on all contenders in France’s 2027 presidential election to amend the mandatory alcohol advertising disclaimer from “alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health” to the more encompassing “alcohol is dangerous for your health.” The proposal has provoked a strong reaction from the French wine industry, with producer Fabien Mariscal of Aude warning that the change would further stigmatize wine amid climate-related crises and declining sales.

Historically, health officials have tried to differentiate wine from other spirits, as former Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume did in 2019, and President Emmanuel Macron has resisted stricter drinking regulations. Addiction specialist Michel Bazin reiterated that any level of alcohol consumption is toxic, supporting the charity’s push. While the health ministry’s guidance limits wine to two glasses per day and no more than ten per one outlet, no presidential hopeful has publicly addressed the demand, and the controversy adds to ongoing disputes over alcohol policy in the campaign.