Portugal has already taken a public position on the matter. It is one of nine wine-producing countries in the European Union to contest the European Commission's decision authorising Ireland to put health warnings on the labels of alcoholic beverages.

According to SIC, the Sociedade Portuguesa de Alcoologia says that consumption in Portugal is a serious problem that has to be tackled head-on. It argues that the issue of alerts on labels alone will not be enough. A package of measures that also include treatment and prevention will have to be implemented.

Traders and exporters of wines and spirits find it important to highlight the different consumption patterns in the European Union.

Ireland had to wait for the green light from the European Commission on this issue as labelling has implications for trade and the free movement of products in the single market. By 2026, all Irish alcohol labels will have to carry health warnings.