New health warnings by Ireland set to be the world’s strictest on beer, wine and spirits have sparked alarm from alcohol-producing countries that argue the labels would impose an obstacle to trade. …

The labels, which go into effect in 2026, will highlight the risk of liver disease, cancer and the risk of drinking while pregnant in big red letters on every container of alcoholic beverages. The level of unease among alcohol producers reflects concerns that they could be targeted like the cigarette industry, where warnings have evolved into graphic pictures of tobacco-related diseases.

[Ahem. If ever there was a population with awareness of the health issues of alcohol consumption, it’s Ireland. So why the big labels? It’s because the nanny-staters have seized control of the Irish government, and are now rolling out bold new initiatives to treat their citizens like subjects and to control every aspect of their lives, including speech and thought. This reminds me of the climactic scene in “Thank You For Smoking,” in which Nick Naylor aptly expresses the stupidity behind warning labels. — Ed]