www.alkoholpolitik.ch

    A hearty welcome on our very special website

With this service we would like to inform about actual trends and backgrounds in the field of alcohol politics, to encourage to think about and perhaps even to take action. In Switzerland as in other  countries alcohol politics are a rather unbeloved theme, because very often the own behaviour as consumers, personal economic interest or simply the social reality are a hinderance for an objective  approach and way of acting.

Technical remarks: If you are interested in getting our Newsletter, you should make sure that your Spam Filter doesn't exclude our e-mail. From time to time you should also check in your Spam Filter Folder, if our newsletter got in by misunderstanding. 

As this website is produced by an individual person it may sometimes happen that there are leeks in our information flow. (vacation, Conferences, illness). We will try to update as soon as possible. 

Attention!! We get sometimes the information from our e-mail administrator that our e-mail was not delivered. We must declare very clairly, that e-mails from htmeyer@alkoholpolitik.ch are not coming from us, as we use this address for incoming mails only. Hackers use addresses from third persons without their knowledge. 

Missing websites (links) you may find in: The Internet Archive: Building an "Internet Library" (englisch): http://www.archive.org/index.php

Top news:  

(12/28/2008)

Marin Institute's Michele Simon on NPR

Monday December 29, 2008

 Michele Simon, JD, MPH, research and policy director at Marin Institute will be a featured guest on the National Public Radio (NPR) show "Talk of the Nation" this Monday December 29, 2008 from 3-4 PM (ET).

The live discussion and phone-in show, hosted by Neal Conan, will explore the topic of "Who is responsible when someone gets drunk?" Susan Cheever, author of "My Name Is Bill" will also be on the show.

 Please join the national conversation on this important issue, listen and phone-in or email your question or comment.

FIND AN NPR STATION: http://www.npr.org/stations/index.php?ps=st1

CONTACT THE SHOW: Phone-in: (800) 989-8255

E-mail your question or comment for broadcast: http://www.npr.org/contact/totn.html

Join the Online Discussion: Blog of the Nation: http://www.npr.org/blogs/talk/

(11/10/2008) Calling For A Convention To Control Alcohol
According to an editorial published on bmj.com, there is an urgent need for international regulation of alcohol akin to the 2005 framework convention on tobacco control. Professor Laura Schmidt (Philip R Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies and Department of Anthropology, History and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA) and colleagues from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Australia write that worldwide, alcohol is a significant component of disease, injury, and death, but it is the only commonly-used psychoactive substance that has yet to face international control. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/8/08)  bmj.com, 11/6/08

Regarding alcohol politics in Switzerland and in other European countries we can only be jealous of this will to succeed, which makes possible what seemed to be impossible. Public health professionals and the people can be hopeful that there will be an effective improvement in health services in the USA.

(06/27/08) Anheuser-Busch Will Stop Selling Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Leading U.S. brewer Anheuser-Busch has agreed to stop selling energy drinks containing alcohol in response to an investigation by a group of state attorneys general. The brewer also reached a similar settlement with the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), in which it pledged to call on other alcohol producers to also stop making pre-packaged caffeinated alcohol beverages, according to a June 26 CSPI press release.  (Source: Join Together, 06/26/08) 
Comment: Congratulations to George Hacker, CSPI!

(03/07/2008) Parity Bill Passed by U.S. House of Representatives
In a major victory for addiction treatment and recovery advocates, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would mandate that insurers cover addiction and mental illness on par with other illnesses. (Source: Join Together, 03/06/08)

(25.01.2008)  WHO Executive did adopt an important resolution on behalf of the Sixty-first World Health Assembly requesting a Global Alcohol Strategy.The resolution was adopted unanimously after 3 amendments initiated by Cuba. Text of Resolution of 1/23/08: "Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol"   (Source: Eurocare, 1/23/08)

Proposal for a Christmas gift:

HIGH SOCIETY

Overview

Press Release

Press Release 2

What They're Saying

Order now!

This book could be helpful outside of the USA too. If time ist too short, copy this picture and create a gift token. (and order it)

(10/26/2007)  On 23 October 2007 the European Commission adopted a new Health Strategy, 'Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013'. Building on current work, this Strategy aims to provide, for the first time, an overarching strategic framework spanning core issues in health as well as health in all policies and global health issues. The Strategy aims to set clear objectives to guide future work on health at the European level, and to put in place an implementation mechanism to achieve those objectives, working in partnership with Member States. Health Strategy

(8/16/2007) CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE) MAKES HISTORIC DECISION
Alcopops To Be Taxed As Distilled Spirits. The California State Board of Equalization (BOE), under the strong leadership of State Controller John Chiang, made history today when they set in motion a rulemaking procedure to tax alcopops as distilled spirits, instead of the current "beer" classification. The decision was immediately applauded by alcohol activists and youth from the California Youth and Alcopops Coalition, the group that initiated the drive with a petition to the BOE last fall. Marin Institute, Homepage with orderform for Newsletter

(06/09/07) California Assembly Praised for Passing AB 346 – The Alcopops Warning Label Bill
Legislation To Reduce Underage Drinking in California Now Faces Senate Approval

San Rafael, CA, (June 8, 2007) --- On a strong bi-partisan vote of 62 to
13, the California Assembly passed AB 346 yesterday. Introduced by
California Assembly Members Jim Beall (D-San Jose), and Lori Saldana (D-San
Diego), the bill requires warning labels on "alcopops," - sweet, fruity,
soda-pop like flavored alcoholic beverages that are popular with underage
drinkers.  The beverages are currently sold wherever beer is sold including
over 15,000 convenience stores, mini-marts and gas stations throughout
California.

(05/19/2007) As reported today in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press, Anheuser-Busch has announced plans to cease production of Spykes, the controversial sweet candy-flavored, caffeinated malt beverage that has been attacked by prevention groups and state attorneys general for its appeal to young people.  An A-B spokesman attributed the decision to the product's "limited volume potential and unfounded criticism."  CSPI's George Hacker responded with a statement released to the press today (see below).  Coupled with the company's tanking "Bud.TV" website, this is an object lesson for the nation's biggest brewer, a victory for public health and safety, and proof that the public will not tolerate the aggressive marketing of alcohol to young people.
See press release

A real Christmas Gift:

12/23/06: The STOP (Sober Truth on Preventing) Underage Drinking Act, called the most significant piece of underage-drinking prevention legislation passed by Congress in years, has been signed into law on Dec. 20 by President Bush.
(Source: Join Together, 12/22/06)

Going for STOP: US-Congress Passes First Major Underage-Drinking Law. Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.

A bill that's being called an important first step towards addressing the national problem of underage drinking was approved by both the U.S. Senate and House this week, and heads to President Bush's desk for approval.

The Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act, which was initially approved on a 373-23 vote in the House of Representatives on Nov. 14, passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Dec. 6 and won final approval in a slightly amended form in the House on Dec. 7.
(See details from Join Together, 12/08/06

(11/20/2006) APHA, the American Public Health Association  Seeks International Treaty on Alcohol

Inspired by the recently enacted Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the American Public Health Association (APHA) is calling for a similar international treaty to address alcohol problems.

The APHA's Governing Council recently released "A Call for a Framework Convention on Alcohol Control," imploring the World Health Organization (WHO) to draft a treaty to address alcohol-related disease and social harm. The tobacco convention would be the model; the alcohol treaty would have to be signed by governments worldwide and then ratified by individual nations for it to come into effect.

The APHA urged other public-health organizations to support the development of the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control and asked the U.S. government to support the planning process. 

Comment: It seems this call is well planned to the opening today of the second Bridging the Gap Conference in Helsinki.

(Source: Join Together, 11/17/06)

(10/25/06)  Commission adopts Communication on reducing alcohol related harm in Europe

The European Commission today adopted a Communication setting out an EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm. The Communication addresses the adverse health effects of harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption in Europe, which is estimated to cause the deaths of 195,000 people a year in the EU. Pressrelease, 10/24/06          An EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm

(11/01/06)  In the article below we learn that The Brewers of Europe, argues that there is no need for Europe wide action. It was written by the Weinberg Group, an American company previously involved in the tobacco industry’s campaign to undermine evidence on the harmful effects of passive smoking.
Its content is remarkably similar to the tobacco industry reports that contended there was insufficient evidence that its products caused any harm or that preventive measures would be effective. (Source: Marin Insitute Alcohol News)

Article in the British Medical Journal, 10/29/06 Abstract
                                                   10/28/06 Full text, payable

"Mission Accomplished" in War on Drugs?
             (August 7, 2006)

A mostly overlooked article published in late June put forth an interesting proposition: that the U.S. war on drugs has already been won.

Writing in the Columbus Dispatch on June 30, Ohio State University historian John C. Burnham recounted a recent meeting of seven former U.S. drug czars at the University of Maryland, held to mark the 35th anniversary of the appointment of the first U.S. drug czar, Jerome H. Jaffee, who served in the Nixon administration from 1971 to 1973.

"The seven former czars and former staff members held remarkably unanimous views, though they come from a variety of backgrounds and included Democrats and Republicans who worked for five very different presidents. And what they had to say was often surprising," wrote Burnham. "The main conclusion -- that we won the war on drugs -- was the biggest surprise, because advocates of illegal drugs have in recent years filled the media with rhetoric about 'the failed war on drugs.'  (Source: Join Together, 8/4/06)

READERS RESPOND: War on Drugs (Part 1)
Join Together received an unprecedented number of passionate, thoughtful responses to their feature story on a June gathering of former drug czars.

Yesterday, on June 22, 2006 the Global Resolution was sent to the FIFA in Zurich

Influential medical organizations and grassroots groups from around the world today called on FIFA, the governing body for the World Cup, to get rid of alcohol promotion at World Cup events and on match broadcasts. More than 260 diverse health, youth, sports, and religious groups from 43 nations endorsed a global resolution urging World Cup organizers to stop undermining the positive values of sport by putting beer ads in front of so many young soccer fans worldwide. Here you find all documents.

(23.05.2006) Global Resolution to End Alcohol Promotion in World Cup Events des Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW #3 00, Washington, DC 20016 USA

See our special page.

(31.03.2006) "Study Puts a Cork in Belief That
                                        a Little Wine Helps the Heart"
Thomas H. Maugh II, (Los Angeles Times, Mar. 30, 2006)

"If you think a glass of wine in the evening is good for your heart, think again. The long-held belief that moderate drinking reduces your risk of a heart attack or dying is based on flawed data and is most likely wrong, according to a study released today."
Harvard World Health News      Los Angeles Times, Mar. 30, 2006 (Free registration required)    See Research

(12/20/2005)

National Panel Examines State Alcohol and Drug Systems
12/15/2005

Press Release
Join Together
1 Appleton Street, Suite 4
Boston, MA 02116
www.jointogether.org

State substance-abuse agencies typically had the ear of governors and key policymakers at the height of the War on Drugs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, however, just a handful of states retain cabinet-level agencies dedicated to alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention.

Responding to this disturbing trend, a policy panel led by former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Michael S. Dukakis will begin work this week on determining which state organizational and financial structures most effectively support policies to prevent and treat substance-use problems, which affect an estimated 37 million Americans.

"Alcohol and drug problems involve governors and multiple government departments in each state, cost states millions each year, and have a devastating impact on families across the country," said Dukakis. "This panel of national leaders will look at the history of our current government structures for addressing these issues, examine research, listen to experts, and then recommend the most effective ways states can help the largest number of people get prevention, intervention, and treatment services for alcohol and drug problems."

The national Blueprint for the States Policy Panel, convened by Join Together, a project of the Boston University School of Public Health, will hold its first meeting in Boston Dec. 15-16. Public testimony will be heard at hearings in Santa Fe, N.M., in January 2006 and in Washington, D.C., in February 2006. Written testimony also will be collected electronically at www.jointogether.org during those months.

The panel expects to release its recommendations in June, 2006.

Since 1991, Join Together has convened eight policy panels, which have issued influential recommendations on issues such as treatment quality, discrimination, policies to reduce and prevent substance-use problems, and the role of criminal justice in alcohol and drug issues.

Join Together works to advance effective alcohol and drug policy, prevention and treatment. Major funding for Join Together is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the Boston University School of Public Health.  For further information on the Blueprint for the States Policy Panel, contact Roberta Leis at 617-437-1500 or email.

Panel members are:

Chair: Michael S. Dukakis, J.D., former Governor, Massachusetts, and Democratic Nominee for President of the U.S.

Since 1991, Gov. Dukakis has been a visiting professor at Northeastern University, and taught in the senior executive program for state and local managers at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University as well as at Florida Atlantic University and at the University of California at Los Angeles.

• Diana Bonta, Vice President of Public Affairs, Kaiser Permanente, Southern Region, California; former California Department of Health Services Director.
  
  
• Barbara Cimiglio, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, Vermont.
  
  
• Judge Karen Freeman-Wilson (ret), CEO, National Association of Drug Court Professionals; Chair, Indiana Governor's Commission for Drug Free Indiana; and former Indiana Attorney General.
  
  
• Sidney L. Gardner, President of Children and Family Futures Inc.
  
  
• The Hon. Pat George, Kansas House Republican Legislator.
  
  
• Patricia Kempthorne, First Lady, Idaho; Co-Chair of Governor's Coordinating Council for Families and Children; and Leadership Committee member of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free.
  
  
• Tom McHale, Work Family Representative for the United Auto Workers-General Motors Commercial Truck Center and Board Member of Faces and Voices of Recovery.
  
  
• Katie McQueen, M.D., Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Health Science Center Houston; and Medical Director, Harris County Hospital District Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment Program.
  
  
• Paul Roman, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia; Director, Center for Research on Behavioral Health and Human Services Delivery's Institute for Behavioral Health Research.
  
  
• Ken Stark, Director, Mental-Health Transformation Project; former Director, Washington Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Submit Testimony
Join Together invites written testimony, submitted by email to payal@jointogether.org. All submitted testimony will be read by the panelists and will be considered in their deliberations. This is your opportunity to have an impact on state policy before any recommendations are formulated!

06/30/06
10/12/08

                              PRESS RELEASE No 56/04

13 July 2004

Judgment of the Court of Justice in Cases C-262/02 and C-429/02

Commission of the European Communities v French Republic, Bacardi France SAS v regarding Loi Evin