Drinks industry ‘fighting abuse strategy’

31 October, 2006 in alcohol

The BMJ (subscription required) have a report alleging underhand tactics in relation to the European strategy on alcohol:

This month the European Commission must decide whether to adopt a strategy to deal with the adverse health consequences of alcohol. The strategy has been awaited eagerly by Europe’s public health community since it was first mooted five years ago, but it could fall at the last hurdle. It may be the victim of a carefully planned attack by representatives of the alcohol industry, using tactics associated with tobacco manufacturers.

The Times picks up the story and has spoken to the author’s report:

Professor McKee, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that the strategy now being debated, although not yet in the public domain, was expected to have five main themes.

These were protection of young people and unborn children; reduction of deaths from alcohol-related traffic accidents; reduction of alcohol-related harm among adults, especially as it affects their work; increasing awareness of the impact of harmful consumption; and the creation of a better evidence base for future policies on alcohol in Europe.

Professor McKee said some would argue that the strategy should go much further, yet even these “modest proposals” might now fail, after disingenuous information from the alcohol industry such as a recent report commissioned by a trade organisation, The Brewers of Europe, which argues there is no need for Europe-wide action.