www.alkoholpolitik.ch

Dear reader, dear friends,

This time we report on new trends in Alcohol Marketing: The Alcohol Industry and Corporate Social Responsibility. With tightening regulations on alcohol marketing, alcohol producers develop new initiatives to make customers aware of their brands and products. EUCAM has released its newest trend report on this matter. And the same days Medical News told us that the British Government announced a £100 Million social marketing campaign by the alcohol industry to encourage responsible drinking.

Many studies have suggested that using alcohol in moderation may help heart health and even prevent diabetes and dementia, but some scientists are questioning the purported benefits of moderate drinking. Especially the importance of resveratrol has been questioned in several articles in the German speaking press.

Almost three-quarters of Americans support including alcohol and other drug treatment in national healthcare reform to make it more affordable, and two-thirds of survey participants support increasing the amount of federal and state funding for preventing and treating addiction. But there is a big fight going on especially on who is going to pay the reform. Having this in mind it must be a shock to read that when Congress passed TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program), the $700 billion dollar bailout to save the banks from economic disaster–it also slipped into the bill billions in tax benefits to alcohol giant Diageo,

Sweden has taken over presidency in the European Union from July 2009. Prevention of alcohol-related harm is one of the areas that will be prioritized during the Swedish presidency. But it would be a surprise if the conservative and liberal governments in Europe (including the UK) would learn from the Swedish experiences.

The next newsletter is due on August 31 2009

Have an interesting reading.

Kind regards
Hermann T. Meyer
www.alkoholpolitik.ch

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TOP NEWS

Captain Morgan, A True Pirate of the Caribbean 30. Juli 2009
Turns out you do have a little Captain in you — or at least the taxpayer in you. That’s because when Congress passed TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program), the $700 billion dollar bailout to save the banks from economic disaster–it also slipped into the bill billions in tax benefits to alcohol giant Diageo, makers of Captain Morgan. (Source: Marin Institute, 7/9/09)

New trend report on Corporate Social Responsibility 20. Juli 2009
EUCAM has released its newest trend report called: Corporate Social Responsibility: the New Marketing Tool. From its conclusions: “By including the brand name in social responsible campaigns, brand awareness and brand recognition are raised. Therefore, it is safe to label such campaigns as advertisements. … (Source: EUCAM, 7/18/09) (see also the new campaign by the British Government with the alkohol industry)

UK: Social Marketing Campaign To Encourage Responsible Drinking 18. Juli 2009
£100 Million Social Marketing Campaign To Encourage Responsible Drinking Announced, UK. Following Gordon Brown’s meeting at Downing Street with Britain’s top drinks industry executives he called for them to harness their considerable marketing powers to drive for change in social norm and cultural attitudes towards alcohol in the UK. … (Source: Medical News Today, 7/17/09) (With our comment: The British Government lets the alcohol industry do their prevention….)

Research on Resveratrol today 13. Juli 2009
If red wine’s good, are resveratrol pills even better? Detailed article about the position of science regarding the effects of resveratrol. (The Health Report: Los Angeles Times, 7/13/09) Comment: The wine farmers claim, that wine is healthy because of its content of resveratrol.

Swedish EU Presidency: priority to reducing alcoholrelated harm 27. Juni 2009
Sweden will take over presidency in the European Union from July 2009. Prevention of alcohol-related harm is one of the areas that will be prioritized during the Swedish presidency. …(Source: ACTIVE-newsletter July 09) http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/11859/a/124091

Alcohol May Not Be So Good for You, After All 27. Juni 2009
Many studies have suggested that using alcohol in moderation may help heart health and even prevent diabetes and dementia, but some scientists are questioning the purported benefits of moderate drinking…. (Source: Join Together, 6/23/09) Comment: It’s high time a well-known newspaper brings up this question. Let’s hope other will follow.

Americans Want Addiction Treatment in Healthcare Reform 18. Juni 2009
Almost three-quarters of Americans support including alcohol and other drug treatment in national healthcare reform to make it more affordable, and two-thirds of survey participants support increasing the amount of federal and state funding for preventing and treating addiction. (Source: Join Together, 6/17/09)

Corporate Social Responsibility: the new marketing tool 16. Juni 2009
Trends in Alcohol Marketing. The Alcohol Industry and Corporate Social Responsibility. With tightening regulations on alcohol marketing, alcohol producers develop new initiatives to make customers aware of their brands and products. … (Source: EUCAM Newsletter June/July 2009)

GLOBAL

Charge for Harm Alliance Launched in Los Angeles 30. Juli 2009
Last month, a California Assembly subcommittee hearing on alcohol and drug problems became the launching pad for a new state-wide coalition, the Charge for Harm Alliance, its mission to pass AB 1019, the Alcohol-Related Services Act in 2010. (Source: Marin Institute, 7/8/09) (Video)

US State Budgets Get Boost from Alcohol Tax Increases 30. Juli 2009
June 30 marked the end of the fiscal year for a number of states, and with many suffering from dramatic budget shortfalls, the question looms large, how many states will raise alcohol taxes to prevent cuts in much-needed programs and services. …(Source: Marin Institute, 7/9/09)

Calif. Lawmakers want to ban self service alcohol checkout 29. Juli 2009
Supermarkets would be barred from allowing customers to use self-service checkout lanes to purchase alcohol under a proposal now being debated in the California legislature. (Source: Join Together, 7/28/09)

Alcohol and Pregnancy Conference. 9 Sept., Brussels 27. Juli 2009
Hosted by the Swedish Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats. The Conference is jointly organized by Eurocare and the Swedish Presidency of the European Union to mark International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders( FASD) Day. …

Official warning to boozy Brits abroad 25. Juli 2009
Foreign Office launches ’stay safe’ campaign to clean up image of young hell-raisers. A campaign urging holidaymakers to drink sensibly and keep out of trouble has been launched across the Mediterranean in the hope of improving the poor image of the British abroad. … (Source: Harvard World Health News, 07/24/09) guardian.co.uk, 7/19/09

S.C. Judge Rules Underage Alcohol Law Illegal (USA) 20. Juli 2009
A South Carolina county court ruled that the state’s law barring those under 21 from possessing or drinking alcohol is unconstitutional. …A spokesperson said the solicitor plans to appeal Richland County’s decision. (Source: Join Together, 7/20/09)

Missouri, USA: Ignition Locks for Repeat Alcohol Offenders 16. Juli 2009
Repeat alcohol offenders in Missouri will now need more than just a key to start their cars. Starting July 1, all repeat alcohol offenders will be required to pay for and install ignition interlock devices in their cars. …state officials said it will impact nearly 70,000 people under restricted and revoked licenses. (Source: Join Together, 15.7.09)

Various aspects of alcohol in a development setting 16. Juli 2009
Three papers by Diyanath Samarasinghe, professor at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, published as FORUT booklets explore various aspect of alcohol in a development setting. Professor Samarasinghe addresses the role of unrecorded alcohol, some connections between alcohol and poverty and things we can do to reduce alcohol harm.

European Alcohol and Health Forum 16. Juli 2009
6th meeting of the Task Force Marketing Communication, Brussels, 09 June 2009 Contributions

Calif. Accused Drunk Drivers Can Challenge Breath Tests 15. Juli 2009
Breathalyzer tests can fail to produce accurate results, so accused drunk drivers have the right to challenge the results of such tests in court, the California Supreme Court has ruled. (Source: Join Together, 7/14/09)

Debate on Charging Woman with Breast Feeding while Drunk 11. Juli 2009
A North Dakota, USA, woman recently pleaded guilty to child-neglect charges after prosecutors accused her of breast-feeding her infant while drunk, but the case has prompted debate over the legality and wisdom of the charges. (Source: Join Together, 7/9/09)

Family Drug Support’s ‘Stepping Stones To Success’ Wins 9. Juli 2009
Family Drug Support’s Stepping Stones to Success program has won the 2009 National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence in Prevention and Community Education in Canberra, Australia, …(Source: Medical News Today, 7/8/09)

UK Doctors Back Calls For Minimum Price For Alcohol 5. Juli 2009
Doctors attending the BMA’s annual conference in Liverpool have today (Thursday 2 July 2009) backed calls to introduce a minimum price for a unit of alcohol. … (Source: Medical News Today, 7/3/09)

6th meeting of the EU Task Force Marketing Communication 3. Juli 2009
Brussels, 09 June 2009, * Summary report pdf (75 KB)

The WTO Public Forum 3. Juli 2009
The WTO Public Forum will take place 28 to 30 September 2009. Registration to attend the forum is now open and you can see the programme of the proposed sessions on the public forum website. Summaries of the sessions will be available soon. …

Alcohol is more than ever a European public health problem 3. Juli 2009
Press-release by ACTIVE, an INGO Youth Organization welcoming the Swedish EU-Presidency.

Conference on the health of young people: be healthy, be yourself 1. Juli 2009
The two day conference on Youth and Health, organised by the European Commission in cooperation with WHO- Regional Office for Europe, the European Youth Forum and other youth organisations, will be opened by Commissioner for Health Androulla Vassiliou on 9 July in Brussels…. Health & Consumer Voice – July – 2009 Edition

Utah Set to Relax Liquor Laws to Boost Tourism 1. Juli 2009
Utah will loosen its liquor laws next month in a bid to boost tourism and bring alcohol sales practices closer in line with those in other states. On July 1, Utah will do away with a 40-year-old private-club system that required drinkers to first buy a membership from a bar or other alcohol-serving establishment. … (Source: Join Together, 6/30/09)

Ireland: Newstalk’s hypocritical approach to discussing Alcohol? 1. Juli 2009
Has anyone else noticed what I think is a hypocritical approach shown by Newstalk when it comes to discussing alcohol and the problems caused by it? There seems to be hardly a morning goes by on Newstalk where they’re not discussing, at some point, the evils and dangers and problems caused by Ireland’s excessive drinking. … All solemn talk for the betterment of the nation they’d have us think. – Then after lunch you’d think you’d changed channels. …(Source: Google Alkohol News, 7/1/09) politics.ie, 6/30/09

Finland raises alcohol taxes again 27. Juni 2009
The leading cause of death in Finland is excessive drinking. Therefore, Finland’s parliament unanimously agreed to raise the taxes on alcohol by up to 10%… (Source: Active newsletter July 09)

Scotland: End The Ridiculous Pricing Of Alcohol 27. Juni 2009
Doctors leaders from the British Medical Association Scotland called for an end to the ridiculous pricing of alcohol for off sales in light of findings from the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS). The survey shows … (Source: Medical News Today, 6/24/09)

Message from the CASA Chairman to Parents 24. Juni 2009
“The solution to the nation’s drug epidemic lies not in courtrooms and legislative hearing rooms and across our borders, but in living rooms and dining rooms and across kitchen tables. In seventeen years of research at CASA, our two most important finding are this: a child who gets through age 21 without smoking, using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol is virtually certain never to do so; and parents are the greatest influence on their children…” (Source: CASA inside, 6/24/09)

Houston, USA, Plagued by Drunk Driving Deaths 24. Juni 2009
Houston’s Harris County has the highest rate of drunk-driving fatalities among populous counties in the U.S., and issues about 10,000 drunk-driving citations annually, in what District Attorney Pat Lykos termed a “pandemic plague” of alcohol-related problems on local roads. (Source: Join Together, 6/22/09)

Alcohol marketing regulations in Thailand 16. Juni 2009
This May alcohol marketing regulations in Thailand have been tightened by the passing of a draft of ministrial regulation by the cabinet. The regulation prohibits the use of logos of alcohol products on tv for more than two seconds. … (Source: www.thaivisa.com, EUCAM Newsletter June/July 2009)

NL: Local alcohol marketing regulations on the rise 16. Juni 2009
The Dutch city of Rotterdam wants to ban alcohol advertisements in its nightlife zones. In doing so the municipality hopes to decrease the alcohol use of minors and reduce vandalism on nights out. … This plan is announced in the city’s ‘Plan of alcohol approach 2009-2010’, …Alcohol marketing regulations at the local level can be a way to limit alcohol advertisements, if there is not enough political support at the federal level. (Source: EUCAM Newsletter June/July 09, 6/16/09)

Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in the US Army 16. Juni 2009
Army Brass Calls for Crackdown on Alcohol and Other Drug Problems. The U.S. Army is directing commanders to take steps to root out alcohol and other drug problems and get soldiers with addiction problems either into treatment or out of the service,… (Source: Join Together, 6/15/09)

RESEARCH

Alcoholism Among Pre-Teens Often Unnoticed, Untreated 27. Juli 2009
Most alcoholics start drinking during their teen years, but the disease can also strike those who begin using alcohol at a younger age — and the problem often goes unrecognized, experts say.

The underage-drinking rate in the U.S. … (Source: Join Together, 7/26/09)

Effective College Drinking Interventions 23. Juli 2009
Analysis Identifies Effective College Drinking Interventions. Internet and face-to-face individuals counseling were most effective in curbing college drinking, whereas mail and group feedback did little to change drinking habits…(Source: Join Together, 7/21/09)

US Healthcare Reform: Covering Addiction Will Save Money 23. Juli 2009
Including addiction treatment in national healthcare reform will save the nation billions of dollars in emergency care and other health costs, according to a new white paper from the Open Society Institute’s Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative. …(Source: Join Together, 7/20/09)

Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 20. Juli 2009
Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Have More Severe Behavioral Problems Than Those With ADHD. Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have a high risk of psychiatric problems, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, or both. … (Source: Medical News Today, 7/18/09)

Adolescent Drinking Linked To Behavioural Problems 20. Juli 2009
Teens who drink heavily are more likely than their peers to have behavioural and attention problems and suffer from anxiety and depression, a team led by researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has reported. (Source: Medical News Today, 7/18/09)

Heavy Daily Drinking and High Grade Prostata Cancer 15. Juli 2009
Heavy, Daily Drinking Increases Risk Of High-Grade Prostate Cancer; Makes Preventive Drug Ineffective. Current research is inconclusive regarding the relationship between alcohol consumption and prostate cancer risk. …(Source: Medical News Today, 7/13/09)

8 To 14 Weekly Units Of Booze Boosts Days Spent In Hospital 9. Juli 2009
Downing between eight and 14 units of alcohol a week boosts the total number of days spent in hospital, finds research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Twenty one weekly units is the government’s recommended maximum weekly tally of alcohol for men. (Source: Medical News Today, 7/7/09) Comment: The history of non-drinkers is again not cleared.

Alcohol ‘kills one in 20 Scots’ 3. Juli 2009
Young men run the highest risk of dying because of their drinking. Alcohol may have caused the death of twice as many Scots as previously thought, an NHS study has found…. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 2.7.09) BBC NEWS, 6/30/09 Medical News Today, 7/1/09

Study: Off Campus Drinking Can be Curbed 29. Juni 2009
A new study concludes that off-campus drinking by college students was reduced 27 percent by implementing community-level prevention programs. (Source: Join Together, 6/26/09)

Alcohol link to one in 25 deaths worldwide 27. Juni 2009
Canadian experts have suggested. The amount people drink varies worldwide. Writing in the Lancet, the team from the University of Toronto added that the level of disease linked to drinking affects poorest people the most. (Source: Google Alkohol News, 26.6.09) BBC, 26.6.09 The Lancet, 27.6.09 Medical News Today, 6/26/09

Dad’s Drinking Predicts Teen Imbibing, Study Finds 24. Juni 2009
Living with an alcoholic father dramatically increases the risk of binge drinking among teenagers, according to new research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (Source: Join Together, 6/19/09)

More College Students Dying from Drinking, NIAAA Reports 24. Juni 2009
Alcohol-related deaths, heavy drinking and drunk driving are all increasing among U.S. college students, according to a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). …(Source: Joint Together, 6/19/09)

Schoolbased Prevention Cuts Drug Use, Violence 19. Juni 2009
Fifth-grade students who took part in comprehensive, interactive school-based prevention programs starting as early as first grade were half as likely as their peers to use alcohol or other drugs, act out violently, or engage in sexual activity, according to a new study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (Source: Join Together, 6/18/09)

4 Studies on College Binge Drinking 18. Juni 2009
Several studies on binge drinking in Colleges:
- Expert On College Alcohol Abuse And Prevention Available To Speak On New Study
- Dangerous College Drinking: Prevention Is Possible, Studies Suggest
- College Drinking Problems, Deaths On The Rise
- Colleges, Communities Combat Off-Campus Student Drinking (Source: Medical News Today, 6/17/09)

Young Londoners’ Alcohol Misuse 18. Juni 2009
The capital’s 11-15 year olds now drink the equivalent of 180,000 bottles of lager every week – and the amount they drink is on the rise, a new report from the London Assembly today warns. … (Source: Medical News Today, 6/17/09)

Binge Drinking Part of Military Culture, Study Says 16. Juni 2009
Excessive drinking is deeply ingrained in military culture, and service members are more likely than the general public to drive drunk, drink while underage, and be intoxicated while on duty, according to a study from the University of Minnesota and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Join Together, 6/13/09)

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