From tobacco control to alcohol policy

Citation

McCambridge J, Kypri K, Miller P, Hawkins B & Hastings G (2014) From tobacco control to alcohol policy. Commentary on: McCambridge J., Hawkins B., Holden C. Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing. Addiction 2014; 109: 199– 205.. Addiction, 109 (4), pp. 528-529. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12463

Abstract
The commentators are broadly in agreement with each other and with us, adding powerful and timely arguments to the high stakes challenge of arresting alcohol industry influence in the United Kingdom. They underline that this is also a global challenge, and that there are clear similarities between the case of alcohol and other unhealthy industries. It is important and welcome that those who have led the debate on tobacco control see the need to study and restrain corporate power more widely; they bring a wealth of experience, and have no illusions about the corporation's determination to protect its own interests 1, 2. Collin & Hill 3 make a strong case for non‐engagement, arguing that national‐level decisions about collaborations with industry must take into account the global ramifications of these decisions. Similarly, Moodie 4 supports the need for clear leadership by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Keywords
alcoholic beverage; conflict of interest; drinking behavior; health care policy; human; industry; tobacco; tobacco industry; United Kingdom; world health organization, Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholic Beverages; Conflict of Interest; Great Britain; Health Policy; Humans; Industry; Tobacco Industry; Tobacco Products; World Health Organization

Journal
Addiction: Volume 109, Issue 4

People

Professor Gerard Hastings

Emeritus Professor, Institute for Social Marketing