Andorran Groups Demand Fines on Festivals Promoting Youth Alcohol Use

Advocacy groups Adjra and Projecte Vida have demanded that Andorran town councils and the government impose fines on festival commissions that tolerate or promote alcohol consumption at youth events, calling it inconsistent with national prevention efforts.

During Tuesday's National Table on Mental Health and Addictions, Adjra president Sandra Cano criticised local authorities for inaction, particularly in parishes where street drinking—such as botellots—is allowed with apparent indifference from traffic agents. She highlighted the contradiction of advancing anti-drug measures while failing to curb alcohol's prominence at celebrations. "We're exhausting ourselves on one side, but nothing happens on the other. Festivals don't need to promote alcohol," Cano said.

Projecte Vida echoed the call, with president Pep Castellón noting the futility of school prevention workshops when popular festivals make alcohol central. "It's pointless running risk-awareness sessions for youth if alcohol remains the star at these events," he said. The group stressed shifting focus from individual choices to the enabling social environments, without advocating bans on festivals or drinking itself. They questioned the model of celebrations being promoted.

Data from the Andorran Drug Dependency Observatory lends weight to their concerns. Between 2011 and 2024, the proportion of at-risk drinkers stayed stable, moderate drinkers rose to 60-70% across genders—with higher overall use among men—and non-drinkers declined.

The groups also seek broader reforms. Cano reiterated calls for street educators to engage youth proactively, alongside upgrades to mental health services like the Child and Youth Mental Health Unit, CASS psychology coverage, and a planned long-term residential centre. Projecte Vida wants the 2026-2030 National Anti-Drug Plan to prioritise emerging products such as energy drinks favoured by minors, incorporate early detection, family support, gender and inequality perspectives, youth involvement, and enforceable cross-ministry commitments with budgets, timelines and audits.

On the new Mental Health and Addictions Observatory, opinions vary. Adjra views it positively pending full review, while Projecte Vida argues it overlooks non-medical cases by relying on hospital, Ròdol centre and 2024 health survey data. They urge including social services and association metrics. Autea president Inés Martí offered her group's indicators, noting planned data segmentation by condition and rising mental health referrals. She praised the tool for standardising metrics internationally to inform policy.