WOERDEN, 26/07/06 - The National Health Institute (NIGZ) wants to set up an independent fund for alcohol prevention. It is asking the drinks industry and the health ministry to pay money into it.

NIGZ is latching onto a TV campaign of brewer Heineken, which appeals to consumers about their own responsibility in drinking a beer. NIGZ terms the spot, featuring a drunken dog, "an important step," but urges an organised approach with municipalities, schools, bars and sports clubs.

NIGZ has asked Heineken to pay 10 million euros into an independent fund. Heineken director Erik Korthals Altes however said yesterday he considers "collective financing undesirable".

According to NIGZ director Hans Krosse, the plan is a variant of what happens in other countries. "In Germany, a portion of alcohol excise duties are paid into a fund and the corporate world also contributes. Information is financed from the fund."