An interview in the CBB magazine with Yannick Boes, the new President of the Belgian Brewers Association (CBB), tells us how beer consumption is promoted in Belgium. The media focus remains on three important issues to educate the public.

1. Beer and Family. The consumption of beer by the whole family at the lunch and dinner table is a very healthy lifestyle, that teaches the young to appreciate beer and how to drink it since early age.
Beer is free of all artificial materials, something that can not be said of other beverages.
Since the beginning of times, beer has always been part of our daily food intake. The education by parents example is an important part to teach kids to drink alcoholic beverages responsibly. What better time and place can you find to teach these important facts to your kids than the family dinner table! Unfortunately, in the USA, showing your love and care for your kids in the way described above, can (still) land you in jail!

2. Beer and Health. Numerous studies from all over the world, prove that daily moderate consumption of beer, is a healthy lifestyle, that actually lengths your life and protects you against all kind of diseases. Since the beer has been cooked during the brewing process all bad germs are killed, and thanks to the fermentation process, the alcohol protects against any new germs. Not one single chemical or artificial supplement is added into beer. How many other beverages, consumed by kids, can you name that are chemical free? Unfortunately, in the USA, printing a hint of a health message on a beer label is (still) illegal.

3.Beer and Gastronomy. Over 400 Belgian beers offer the richest palate of tastes and aroma’s to please every Chef, and combine splendidly with the most exquisite dishes. The same is true in the USA, with the rich selection available of microbrews and imported beers from all over the world. Many restaurants in Belgium offer all-in-beer business lunches, exclusive beer-dinners, and all kind of dishes prepared with beer.
Our Belgian political leaders, like our Prime Minister Mr. Dehaene, as you can see in this picture, are proud to be seen drinking beer in public, in the press or on TV. In the mean time in the USA, political leaders are afraid to be seen on a picture with a glass of wine or beer in their hands.