Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy
Alcohol policies out of context: drinks industry supplanting government role in alcohol policies in sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

BackgroundIn this paper, we describe an analysis of alcohol policy initiatives sponsored by alcohol producer SABMiller and the International Center on Alcohol Policies, an alcohol industry-funded organization. In a number of sub-Saharan countries these bodies have promoted a ‘partnership’ role with governments to design national alcohol policies.MethodologyA comparison was conducted of four draft National Alcohol Policy documents from Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda and Botswana using case study methods.FindingsThe comparison indicated that the four drafts are almost identical in wording and structure and that they are likely to originate from the same source.ConclusionsThe processes and the draft policy documents reviewed provide insights into the methods, as well as the strategic and political objectives of the multi-national drinks industry. This initiative reflects the industry's preferred version of a national alcohol policy. The industry policy vision ignores, or chooses selectively from, the international evidence base on alcohol prevention developed by independent alcohol researchers and disregards or minimizes a public health approach to alcohol problems. The policies reviewed maintain a narrow focus on the economic benefits from the trade in alcohol. In terms of alcohol problems (and their remediation) the documents focus upon individual drinkers, ignoring effective environmental interventions. The proposed policies serve the industry's interests at the expense of public health by attempting to enshrine ‘active participation of all levels of the beverage alcohol industry as a key partner in the policy formulation and implementation process’.

Global Fund needs to address conflict of interest

“…28 Indeed, evidence suggests tobacco and alcohol companies (with some evidence relating specifically to SABMiller) use remarkably similar strategies in their efforts both to market their products and prevent and delay effective public health policies, in some instances working collectively to this end. 21,[29][30][31][32][33] It is also noteworthy, given the educational component of the funded intervention, that evidence suggests that educational interventions are the least effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm, and that alcohol industry-funded educational programmes are ineffective and potentially counter-productive, 29,31 like their counterparts funded by the tobacco industry. 34,35 While the need for funding will continue to drive corporate philanthropy in global health, until those developing or funding alcohol interventions address these potential conflicts better, problems such as this one under discussion will recur and the harms arising from alcohol misuse will fail to be addressed.…”

The Politics of Alcohol Policy in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of How and Why Brewers Use Strategic Ambiguity to Supplant Policy Initiatives

“…They prefer to promote a responsible drinking message-a self-regulatory, social responsibility of the alcohol producers, known for its ineffectiveness (Bakke and Endal 2010). In Nigeria, the case appears to be the same as the article will reveal.…”

“…This organization will never support stringent policy to regulate alcohol (Holmila et al, 2011) due to vested interest (Bakke and Endal, 2010). To show that such a marketing/image creation partnership is not to the benefit of the public, McCreanor et al (2002: 183) posited that globally, 'the benefits to 9 ICAP of partnership with the public have been made clear-respectability, credibility and the legitimation of ICAP's representation of industry interests in policy arenas'.…”

“…The resolution's main thrusts include inter alia: commitment of leaders to the policy, control of marketing and availability of alcohol, pricing policies aimed at reducing purchase. responded by drafting policies to regulate alcohol harm in their countries (Parry, 2010;Bakke and Endal, 2010;Pitso and Obot, 2011;Obot 2012). South Africa's policies such as National Liquor Bill, the policy that restricted adverts and sales of alcohol, etc.…”

Noncommunicable diseases and post-conflict countries

“…7 This policy vacuum provides an open door for multinational companies to influence policies in ways that undermine efforts to control tobacco and alcohol use or improve unhealthy diets in transitional countries. 4,8 Health systems in many post-conflict settings have difficulty responding to existing noncommunicable diseases. For example, Somaliland has no psychiatric professionals or related medications available in primary or secondary health services, despite the conflict ending almost two decades ago.…”