In France articles on wine must carry health notices says court

South African producers (and marketers) who are objecting to the proposed health warnings on local wine labels, might be somewhat less than amused that a French court had ordered that articles related to wine had to carry such warnings as well. Journalists are unlikely to be impressed either.

The Paris court ordered the newspaper Le Parisien to pay 5 000 euros to France’s National Association for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Addiction. The newspaper carried an article about champagne in a December 2005 issue. The court ruled that the article may, unlawfully, incite people to drink the bubbly.

Now the international wine writers’ association Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains des Vins et Spiritueux (Fijev), based in France, has launch a major petition against the ruling,. Fijev says it considers the ruling unfair and dangerous.

It says  ‘Our job as journalists is not about selling. We do not simply “communicate” or “advertise”, we inform. We participate in the consumer's  education to quality, our aim is not to encourage a higher consumption.... There is no financial interest at stake, just our integrity and repute as free journalists. Freedom of speech.’

France’s so-called Evin Law of 1991 places strict controls on alcohol advertising and all advertising must also carry warnings. Such copy may only relate to the quality of the product, and showing drinking is banned.

France’s National Association for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Addiction  also won a case at the same Paris court against Heineken over beer advertisements on the brewer’s own website. Heineken was given three weeks to change its advert or face a fine.

Let's hope that Minister Mato Tshabalala-Msimang doesn't get any inspiration from this.

• Click here for the Fijev petition