Mixed messages

In 1954, French prime minister Pierre Mendes-France sponsored an initiative to distribute milk in the schools, with the aim of reducing alcohol consumption (and  alcoholism) among the young.

Fifty-five years later, the French authorities are trying to reduce alcohol consumption (and alcoholism) among the young. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

With surveys and “hidden camera” investigative pieces that revealed alarming alcohol consumption by minors, the French health minister vowed last year to prohibit the distribution or sale of alcohol to minors and to outlaw open bars.

This measure apparently has not yet been enacted into law, but is still making its way through legislative procedures.

Two stickers visible in supermarkets testify to the state of flux or confusion on this point.

The first, posted prominently at the entry to an urban supermarket, restates the law in its current form, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors under age 16. (The current legislative initiative aims to close the window between ages 16 and 18.)

The second, affixed at cash registers, was born of a collaboration between the French health ministry and major supermarket chains. Directed at youths, it features bad grammar and a different message: an exhortation to those under 18 not to buy alcohol.