23.10.2024 - According to a recent report by Sermitsiaq.gl, Greenland MP Aaja Chemnitz is urging retailers to stop alcohol advertising, citing its connection to violent crime. Chemnitz’s comments come as Greenland is in the process of drafting a new alcohol policy, with discussions on potential restrictions and preventive measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in the country.
Chemnitz emphasized the well-established link between alcohol consumption and violent crime, stressing that society, including the retail sector, must take shared responsibility in addressing the issue. “We should be able to cooperate through ongoing discussions and debates across society to find solutions that policymakers in Greenland can use when formulating the upcoming alcohol policy,” she said.
One of Chemnitz's proposals focuses on the retail sector taking greater responsibility by voluntarily stopping alcohol advertising. She suggests that reducing the visibility of alcohol through advertising could be a meaningful step in tackling alcohol-related harm. Chemnitz has also pointed to other options, such as restrictions on the layout of stores and drawing inspiration from Nordic alcohol monopolies, like Sweden’s Systembolaget, which strictly controls the sale and marketing of alcohol.
The call to action comes after Chemnitz received answers from Denmark's Minister of Justice, Peter Hummelgaard, on the relationship between alcohol consumption and violent crime in Greenland. While the Justice Ministry does not have comprehensive data on the connection between alcohol and personal injury crimes, Greenland Police have shared their observations. According to their assessment, a large portion of violent crimes in Greenland occurs when one or both parties involved are under the influence of alcohol, most often the perpetrator or both the perpetrator and the victim.
To support this claim, the Justice Minister highlighted specific cases from 2023. Of the 1,245 violent cases reported that year, a sample review of 20 cases involving individuals aged 15 or older revealed that in 11 of the cases, at least one person was intoxicated at the time of the crime. Similarly, in 247 rape cases reported that year, a review of 16 cases showed that in 11 cases, alcohol was a factor.
Additionally, the Justice Minister noted that historical evidence also points to a reduction in violent crime and sexual abuse cases during periods when alcohol restrictions are in place. For example, restrictions on the sale of strong alcoholic beverages were imposed in Tasiilaq between 2014 and 2018 in response to a surge in sexual crimes against children and young people. These restrictions led to a noticeable drop in reports of such crimes. Furthermore, similar restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in violent crimes.
The Justice Minister also drew attention to a pattern of increased violent and sexual crimes around payday and tax refund periods, suggesting a correlation between increased alcohol consumption during these times and a rise in crime.
Chemnitz’s appeal to retailers, along with her broader recommendations for alcohol policy reform, reflects a growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the negative effects of alcohol in Greenland. By urging all sectors of society to take responsibility, she hopes to create a safer environment for everyone.
Read the full article on Sermitsiaq.gl