News Release                   For Immediate Release

February 4, 2005

Posting of Warning Signs in Licensed Establishments:

Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy Can Cause Birth Defects and Brain Damage

On February 1, 2005, Sandy’s Law, Regulation 718 from the Liquor Licence Act, came into effect in Ontario for establishments that are licensed to serve or sell alcohol.  The establishments will be required to post specific warning signs about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy. 

Government regulations specify the types of licensed establishments affected by this new law, the size, wording, and images for the signs, and where the signs must be posted. 

The wording on the signs is as follows:

“Warning: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and brain damage to your baby. 1-877-FAS-INFO www.alcoholfreepregnancy.ca”

One in 100 births (approximately 3,000 babies born each year in Canada) is affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol.  Brain damage caused as a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol can result in learning disabilities, hyperactivity, difficulty remembering,  and difficulties with problem solving and judgement.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a range of birth defects and disabilities that are caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.  Public Health, in partnership with local agencies, is committed to providing awareness, education and resources to the community about this issue.

For information on how to order the warning signs, contact Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre at 1-800-397-9567 (press 3) http://beststart.org

For further information about alcohol use and pregnancy, contact Public Health at 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca 

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For more information:

Marilyn Lemon, Public Health Nurse

Reproductive Health Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420