Purchasers of liquor to be warned of health risks

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If you buy your liquor in the Northwest Territories, be prepared to be reminded of the dangers of alcohol consumption with each purchase.

Bottles of alcoholic beverages sold in the Northwest Territories now boast warning labels similar to those found on cigarette boxes.

The health warnings are part of the NWT Liquor Commissions' latest campaign to educate the public about the detrimental effects of alcohol.

"We hope the warning labels will make the consumer think twice before they use liquor products," said Safety and Public Services Minister John Todd.

"Let's face it, alcohol is a dangerous substance and it has to be used with caution."

The labels warn women to abstain from alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause problems ranging from emotional difficulties to learning disabilities and retardation.

As well as warning of possible health risks associated with drinking alcohol, the stickers caution drinking alcohol impairs one's ability to drive or operate machinery.

All wine and hard liquor bottles, cases and six-packs of beer are being labeled before distribution to liquor outlets in the NWT.