Hopes a US announcement around warning labels on alcoholic drinks will re-ignite consumption conversations in New Zealand

US Surgeon-General Vivek Murthy wants alcoholic drinks to carry a cancer warning label, because consumers are unaware of the risks.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Andrew Galloway says population-based measures are the most effective ways to change people's awareness.

He says there's room for better education, which warning labels fit into.

Galloway says we should start at looking at things like price, availability and restrictions on marketing first.