Malta alcohol policy under scrutiny for weak measures

The release of Malta’s new National Alcohol Policy has been met with concern by the Insurance Association Malta (IAM), which warned that the document fails to provide adequate enforcement mechanisms to tackle drink-driving. While the Association welcomed the long-delayed policy’s publication for consultation, it highlighted what it described as serious gaps in enforcement and prevention strategies that could undermine road safety efforts.

Concerns over delays and omissions

According to the IAM, the policy was released 18 months later than originally expected, a delay that the Association argued demonstrates a lack of urgency on the part of the authorities. More significantly, IAM pointed out that the updated version does not include a dedicated section on drink-driving, a measure that had been explicitly present in the previous National Alcohol Policy covering the years 2018 to 2023.

“While welcoming the policy's release for public consultation, the Association expressed concern that its publication – delayed by 18 months – signalled the authorities' lack of urgency, and left out a dedicated section on drink-driving found in the 2018-2023 policy.”

IAM stressed that road fatalities linked to alcohol consumption remain a major challenge for Malta, where several high-profile cases in recent years have drawn public attention to the dangers of impaired driving. The Association warned that without robust enforcement, the new policy risks failing to deliver meaningful results.

Road safety and recent tragedies

Malta has witnessed a number of fatal accidents in which alcohol or drugs were suspected to be contributing factors. IAM noted that these tragedies have left the public calling for stronger deterrents against drink-driving.

“With the island still reeling from a tragic number of road fatalities, it is disappointing that proven measures, such as random breath testing and mandatory alcohol testing after accidents, remain absent,” the Association said.

The IAM emphasized that certain measures, already widely adopted in other European jurisdictions, could play a crucial role in preventing future tragedies. These include systematic roadside checks, stricter penalties, and the introduction of technological tools to prevent repeat offences.

Calls for random drug and alcohol testing

The Association has consistently urged the government to introduce random roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs. Such measures, according to IAM, would act as a strong deterrent while also helping authorities identify offenders before they cause harm on the road.

“The Association said that it has long been calling for random roadside drug and alcohol testing, an appeal reiterated by Magistrate Joe Mifsud who urged increased enforcement after a Senglea motorcycle accident revealed the rider had cocaine in his system.”

This tragic case underscored the broader risks posed by substance use in road safety and illustrated why enforcement needs to go beyond voluntary education campaigns.

Rising alcohol consumption trends in Malta

IAM referred to the policy’s own findings, which show worrying trends in alcohol consumption across Malta.

“IAM pointed to the policy's own data showing that alcohol consumption in Malta rose by 23% between 2010 and 2019, while the European average fell by roughly the same percentage. Almost half of those aged 20 to 49 admit to drinking more than six glasses of alcohol each week.”

The Association expressed concern that while the policy acknowledges these figures, it remains largely silent on how enforcement would be strengthened to address this upward trend.

“The policy acknowledges rising alcohol use across all age groups, yet remains practically silent on the sanctions and enforcement that are crucial to deterring repeat offenders. Education alone is the carrot, but without the stick of enforcement, it will not be enough,” IAM said.

Learning from other European countries

The IAM urged the Maltese authorities to look at how other European states are dealing with alcohol-related road risks. It pointed to examples where tougher legal measures, supported by technology and public campaigns, have been introduced to reduce drink-driving.

The Association highlighted several practices that could serve as a model for Malta:

• Random roadside checks and stricter penalties: Many countries conduct frequent checks and impose higher fines, together with temporary or permanent licence suspensions.
• Mandatory reporting to insurers: Cases involving driving under the influence are directly reported to insurance companies, affecting coverage and premiums.
• Alcolock devices for repeat offenders: Used in countries such as Italy, these devices prevent a car from starting if the driver exceeds the legal alcohol limit.
• Subsidised taxi services during large events: Governments have partnered with transport providers to ensure affordable alternatives to drink-driving, combined with strong campaigns promoting designated drivers.
• CCTV monitoring of dangerous behaviour: Authorities in certain regions rely heavily on video surveillance to enforce traffic rules and discourage reckless behaviour.

By combining education with strict deterrents, IAM argued, countries have managed to create safer roads and reduce alcohol-related accidents significantly.

“Educating drivers on the risks is vital, but it must be matched by strong deterrents that make repeat offences far less likely,” IAM said.

The importance of balanced policy-making

Experts in public health and road safety generally agree that education, awareness campaigns, and preventive measures must be combined with law enforcement to be effective. While awareness can influence attitudes and reduce risky behaviour, enforcement ensures compliance and reduces repeat violations.

IAM emphasized that Malta’s current draft policy leans too heavily on education without providing adequate legal and enforcement mechanisms. This imbalance, according to the Association, risks leaving the policy ineffective in addressing one of the most pressing public safety issues facing the country.

A warning against missed opportunities

The Association concluded its remarks by calling on the authorities to ensure that the new National Alcohol Policy delivers practical results and not simply broad declarations.

“The Association also called on the authorities to ensure that the new National Alcohol Policy delivered meaningful change, warning that without decisive measures, Malta risks relegating this policy to another missed opportunity, and drink-driving will remain a deadly, preventable threat on our roads.”

IAM reiterated its willingness to engage with the government in consultations and to provide expertise from the insurance sector, which deals directly with the financial and social consequences of road accidents.

Broader implications for public health and safety

Beyond drink-driving, the policy has implications for Malta’s wider public health agenda. Rising alcohol consumption is linked not only to road safety risks but also to long-term health concerns, including liver disease, addiction, and mental health issues.

By addressing alcohol misuse comprehensively, Malta has an opportunity to improve both health outcomes and community safety. However, IAM’s critique raises questions about whether the current policy will be sufficient to meet these goals.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Malta’s new National Alcohol Policy illustrates the tension between public health ambitions and the practical realities of enforcement. While the document highlights the importance of education and awareness, the concerns raised by the Insurance Association Malta underscore the risk of relying too heavily on voluntary compliance in a context where alcohol consumption is rising and road fatalities remain a pressing concern.

By learning from the experiences of other European countries, Malta has the opportunity to strengthen its approach with a combination of education, deterrence, and enforcement. Introducing measures such as random roadside testing, alcolock technology, and stricter penalties could align Malta’s framework with proven international practices.

Ultimately, the success of the policy will depend on whether it moves beyond consultation and words into action that protects lives, reduces repeat offences, and delivers meaningful change. Without decisive steps, the policy risks becoming another missed opportunity in the long struggle to curb drink-driving and safeguard public health and safety on Malta’s roads.

FAQs

What is the Insurance Association Malta (IAM)?
The Insurance Association Malta is a non-profit body that represents the common interests of all insurance companies operating in Malta.

Why is IAM concerned about the new National Alcohol Policy?
IAM is concerned that the policy lacks robust enforcement measures, particularly with regard to drink-driving, which remains a significant cause of road accidents in Malta.

What measures does IAM want included in the policy?
The Association has called for random roadside testing, mandatory alcohol checks after accidents, stricter penalties, and the use of technology such as alcolock devices.

Why was the policy delayed?
The new National Alcohol Policy was published 18 months later than initially expected. IAM argues this delay reflects a lack of urgency in tackling alcohol-related risks.

How does Malta compare with other European countries on alcohol consumption?
Between 2010 and 2019, alcohol consumption in Malta rose by 23%, while the European average decreased by a similar percentage.

What role do insurers play in road safety enforcement?
In some countries, insurers are notified when a driver is caught under the influence, which can impact coverage and premiums. IAM has suggested Malta adopt similar practices.

What is an alcolock device?
An alcolock is a breath-testing device installed in a vehicle. If the driver is over the legal alcohol limit, the car will not start.

Has the Maltese judiciary supported stronger enforcement?
Yes. Magistrate Joe Mifsud has previously called for increased enforcement after a fatal accident revealed drug use by a driver.

Is education not enough to prevent drink-driving?
While education campaigns are important, IAM argues that without strong legal enforcement, such campaigns will not effectively deter repeat offenders.

What is IAM’s ultimate warning?
IAM warns that unless the government introduces decisive enforcement measures, the policy risks becoming another missed opportunity, leaving drink-driving a continuing threat.