In the U.S., makers of alcoholic beverages are required to put a notice about the risks of drinking and driving, operating machinery, drinking while pregnant, and other general health risks. But many have speculated that more prominent warning labels might further discourage drinking alcohol, especially among younger people. According to a new study out of the U.K., published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review, researchers tested health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. They tried text warnings, such as “Alcohol causes liver disease” and “Alcohol causes mouth cancer.” They also tried image warnings, such as images of a blood pressure test or CT scanner. They found that participants who viewed products with warnings were significantly more likely to perceive the products as unappealing and socially unacceptable, compared to those who viewed products without such a warning. They believe that such warning labels could grab people’s attention prior to buying and drinking and possibly reduce alcohol consumption.
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