PSOE criticizes PP over unpassed laws

Gracia Fernandez, PSOE deputy in Almeria has criticised the PP’s decision to prevent the passing of two bills submitted by the PSOE to protect young people from online game addiction and excessive consumption of energy drinks.

When the energy drink control bill was shelved, she accused the PP of “double standards”, because despite their ongoing plan to cut down on drugs, they did not take the energy drink consumption seriously.

Fernandez explained that “these drinks are not harmful if consumption is responsible, but the problem arises when used as a stimulus to continue drinking alcohol, especially among young people.”

Online gambling became legal in Spain in June 2012, and during that first year, more than 5,000 million Euros were spent.

Fernandez warned, “online gaming is three times more addictive than modal gambling, due to the anonymity, accessibility via mobile phones, and availability anywhere anytime”.

PSOE had submitted a proposal to “ban the use of induction techniques to the game, especially for the most vulnerable – the young, habitual gamblers and addicts.

The bill also called for the “elimination of techniques that reward excessive consumption, such as rewards or loyalty points”.

Fernandez concluded, “the deputies and senators of the PP have shown a lack of sensitivity to the problem of pathological gambling and its growth among the young.”