#NORWAY: New Health Minister Says Gov't Shouldn't Tell Citizens Not To Smoke, Drink Alcohol, Eat Red Meat

[world politics news]

Norway's new cabinet minister for Public Health, Sylvi Listhaug, is causing controversy for saying that there's nothing wrong with eating red meat, smoking and drinking alcohol. At least her office won't be lecturing citizens to avoid such things.

An admitted "occasional" smoker herself, Listhaug hails from the Norwegian Progress Party, which is focused on civil liberties, individualism, and limited government. Which makes her "hands off" approach unsurprising.

In an interview, Listhaug said: "I think many smokers feel repressed. They almost feel they have to hide away, and I think that’s stupid. Although smoking is not good and it is harmful, adults have to decide for themselves what they do. The only thing we as governments are to do is to provide information."

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#JAPAN: Sensing Political Fallout After Accident Kills Civilian, Military Confined To Base, Alcohol Banned

[world politics news]

Sensing more political fallout after an allegedly drunk US service member struck and killed a civilian with his truck, U.S. Forces in Japan has confined all service members stationed in Okinawa to their bases, banned alcohol consumption, and will require mandatory training on responsible alcohol use by members of the military serving in the country. The Sunday accident in Okinawa will likely increase negative feeling in the Prefecture, where past criminal acts by American servicemen have sparked angry protests and strengthened persistent calls to remove the base from the region.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRELAND: Parliament Members' Bar Tabs To Be Written Off As A Loss

[world politics news]

Bar bills racked up in Dublin's parliament buildings will be written off because there is "no realistic prospect" of them being paid. A report by the Houses of the Oireachtas (Irish houses of parliament) Commission did not say how much would be written off. It said the "amount involved was very small in the overall context of the bar and restaurant receipts". The bars and restaurants involved are regularly used by Irish politicians.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: Liberals Consider "Booze Tax" Hike To Match Inflation

[world politics news]

Among many agenda items Parliament is considering before its Canada Day break is legislation that would mandate that the excise tax on alcoholic beverages will increase annually at the rate of inflation from now on. The move would preclude Parliament from taking annual votes on increases, something lawmakers would surely appreciate.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#KENYA: Bill Would Force Alcohol Manufacturers To "Insure" Drinkers, Pay Survivor's Families

[world politics news]

A legislator is proposing a bill that would force manufacturers of alcohol and beer to "insure" users and pay out benefits to families harmed by alcohol use. The bill would make leading brewers and distillers responsible for the "consequences" or aftermath of drinking consumers.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRAQ: Parliament Bans Sale, Importation, Production Of Alcohol

[world politics news]

Iraq's parliament has voted to ban the sale, import and production of alcohol, in a surprise move likely to anger some minorities but also to please influential religious parties. Proponents of the ban argue that it is justified by the constitution, which prohibits any law contradicting Islam. But some opponents argue that it also violates the same constitution which guarantees the traditions of religious minorities.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: Commons Speaker Accused Of Hiding Damaging Alcohol Stats

[world politics news]

Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has been accused of avoiding scrutiny of alcohol problems by parliamentarians.by suppressing reports by using a loophole in the freedom of information laws.

#JAPAN: Gov't Withdraws Plan To Lower Smoking/Drinking Age After Internal Oppo.

[world politics news]

A Liberal Democratic Party delayed formally proposing a reduction in the legal age for drinking and smoking - along with a reduction in the legal age defining a 'minor' - from 20 to 18, after immediate and strong internal opposition from party members to the proposals during a committee hearing.

#CANADA: Vancouver Liberal MP, First Nations Newspaper, Apologize for "Sobriety" Comment In Ad Congratulating Native Grads

[world politics news]

Liberal MP Joyce Murray and a First Nations (native Indian) newspaper are both apologizing after publishing an ad in which Murray congratulated aboriginal high school graduates and referred to sobriety as a key to success. Both say Murray never saw the ad copy. Native First Peoples are sensitive to stereotypes about heavy drinking.

#RUSSIA: Legislators Reject "Walking While Drunk" Fines

[world politics news]

The Russian Lower House has rejected a suggestion to introduce fines for pedestrians who refuse to undergo medical sobriety tests, but will continue to work on the bill that punishes those who refuse to allow themselves to be checked for illegal drug use.

#SOUTHAFRICA: Legislators Seek To Raise Drinking Age From 18 to 21

[world politics news]

The South African government wants to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. The new alcohol control measure is intended to curb alcohol abuse in the country. Other new proposals include restricting the time at which alcohol can be sold in zoned areas, the setting of parameters for advertising and marketing of alcohol.

#USA: Indiana Legislator Wants Sale Of Powdered Alcohol Banned

[world politics news]

State Sen. Ron Alting is seeking to ban the sale of powdered alcohol in Indiana. He said the product could easily be abused by minors, and is concerned the product could be easily concealed. Its creator says it can only be sold where alcohol is sold, to adults with ID.

#NORTHERNIRELAND: Health Min. Wants to Same Minimum Alcohol Pricing As Ireland's

[world politics news]

Health Minister Jim Wells has vowed to work with the Republic to end the difference between alcohol prices on both sides of the border. Despite the euro dropping in value, the price of alcohol in Northern Ireland is still cheaper than south of the border.

#SINGAPORE: Bill Proposed to Ban Public Consumption of Liquor And Sales Between 10:30 pm and 7 am

[world politics news]

The drinking of alcohol between 10:30 pm to 7 am in public places, including parks, could soon be banned if the new Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill tabled in Parliament on Monday is eventually passed. Retail shops would not be allowed to sell bottled liquor after 10:30 pm.

#NORWAY: Liberal Pty Opposes Gov't Plan to Keep State-Run Wine Stores Open Christmas Eve

[world politics news]

#CANADA: Ontario's Premier Kathleen Wynne Wants to Keep Liquor Monopoly; Report Says It Keeps Prices High

[world politics news]