Vol. 13 No. 1 March/April 2004 Under Pressure Contents

The first two months of 2004 has seen for ‘promoting and facilitating underage an unprecedented level of activity by the drinking with reckless disregard for SOCIAL AND POLICY industry in reaction to a series of lawsuits human life and the well being of the NEWS 3 or government measures and proposals public’ by parents who lost their daughter in many countries. The issues reflect the in a drink drive accident. The suit is based increasingly difficult environment that on RTD’s hard lemon and hard cola MEDICAL NEWS 4 the alcoholic drinks industry is working which are said to resemble soda pop with in to promote, market and sell its sweet flavours and bright packaging. legitimate products. Francine Katz of Anheuser Busch commented ‘we are deeply committed to ARTICLES The UK spirits industry has been up in fighting under age drinking and drunk arms in the UK due to the Chancellor’s Preserving Antioxidants in driving. Our marketing and advertising proposal to introduce tax stamps in the White Wine is directed at adults and is placed in UK as a measure to tackle spirits fraud. programming that is watched by Gordon J. Troup 4 The Treasury believes one in six bottles overwhelmingly by adults’. This follows of spirits sold in the UK is without duty the legal case filed in Washington in being paid - £250 million of lost revenue November claiming that advertising by Global Authoritative Drinking for the government. The industry seven major producers was ‘deliberately Guidelines on Moderation disputes these figures and whilst the trade and recklessly’ aimed at underage has been fighting hard to tackle by Elisabeth Holmgren 6 drinkers. bootlegging and fraud, it believes the introduction of tax stamps will cost In France the Bordeaux wine Federation millions and be easy to fake. Examples is being taken to court in March by the REVIEWS have been drawn on of the Ukraine, alcoholism prevention group (ANPAA) ICAP International which has such a system, where 60,000 over a slogan ‘drink less, drink better’ bottles with fake seals were seized in (which has been running for three years Drinking Guidelines 10 three weeks, Greece has thrown out the and was approved by the French system as ineffective and in Hungary advertising authorities) said to contravene Global Social Responsibility where tax stamps are used it is estimated the Loi Evin, a Burgundian generic that between 15 and 20% of spirits are campaign was banned by the Paris High Initiatives still sold duty unpaid. The industry Court in January. 2000 protesters took by the World Brewing Alliance 10 believes a tighter system of guarantees, to the streets of Chalon in the last strengthened warehouse and licensing weekend of February, the organisers controls plus effective ‘track and trace’ believe the wine business is being unfairly Binge Drinking: Causes systems would work better. The industry targeted in the government campaigns Consequences and Cures would also like to work closely with against alcoholism and drink driving. by Adrian Furnham 11 Customs and Excise to identify high risk Wine industry leaders met 100 MP’s the places of storage, shipments, sale and following week to discuss the crisis, as stock movements. Interestingly, Diageo French wine exports fell by 10% last year IREB report on 13-20 year have developed a hand held device which and sales in France by 5%. can identify counterfeit whisky, this could olds drinking in France 11 have great benefits in time. The root of In South Africa, the wine and spirits the problem however, is the great industry are facing an increase of excise differentiation of duty rates across duties of up to 30%. Spirits face a 13% AIM PROFILE - Europe which invites smuggling - if increase and sparkling wines 28%. Francois Booyse PhD 12 equalisation was achieved much of the Distell, South Africa’s biggest wine and problem would disappear. spirits producer believes the increases will Dutch Horeca report 12 The US is seeing a spate of lawsuits be felt all down the line to producer level against producers for targeting underage and could impact on job growth when drinkers. Most recently a suit has been coupled with the strong rand. filed against Miller and Anheuser Busch ORGANISATIONS 14

www.aim-digest.com www.drinkingandyou.com NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AIM Digest PO Box 2282 BATH, BA1 2QY, UK Sweden EU Tel: (44) (0)1225 471444 In 2003 cross border shopping Binge drinking is on the increase Fax: (44) (0)1225 427444 increased by 20 % compared to 2002. amongst young people in the existing e-mail: [email protected] Spirits recorded the largest increase of European Union (EU), the European Web sites: www.aim-digest.com 42 %. Beer was up 16 % and wine 8 %. economic Area and countries that are www.drinkingandyou.com with particularly high increases in becoming members in May, according to Annual Subscriptions to AIM November and December. The estimated the European Monitoring Centre for Single subscription to AIM Digest on-line total consumption of pure alcohol per (published bi-monthly) £100 or $350 Drugs and Drug Addiction. Corporate subscription level of £500 or person over 15 years of age is 10.18 litres. $1000 for AIM Digest on-line and the The EU agency noted that the monthly highlights. The trade is set to increase, with Finnish proportion of 15- to 16-year-olds Please make cheques/drafts in British pounds tax cuts applying on 1 March 1st in indulging in binge drinking (consuming sterling or dollars payable to AIM Digest at response to Estonia’s EU accession in five or more drinks in a row) rose from the above address or email via: May. [email protected] 47 to 57% in Ireland during the late 1990s and from 37% to 50% in Norway. Peter Duff – Executive Chairman, Mrs Maria Renström Törnblom will lead tel: (44) (0)1225 471444 the European Commissions work to The report added that binge drinking was email: [email protected] create a common strategy to cope with also common amongst this teenage Helena Conibear – Editorial Director, alcohol related harm. The strategy was group in the 10 eastern and southern EU tel: (44) (0)1300 341601 decided during Sweden’s presidency in email: [email protected] accession countries, where “laws Elisabeth Holmgren – Director of US 2001. Mrs Renström has experience of intended to protect young people are Operations alcohol and drug policy issues. poorly enforced.” tel: 001 925 9343226 email: [email protected] In almost all these countries, nearly two- Sherry Webster – Communications Manager Switzerland thirds of 15- to 16-year-olds admit tel: (44) (0)1225 471444 having been drunk at least once. In the email: [email protected] A new tax regulation on RTDs has come existing EU, between 36% (Portugal) and Alison Rees - Publishing Assistant into force. The Swiss alcohol board, a email: [email protected] 89% (Denmark) of this age group said body at the Financial Department of the they had been drunk. SOCIAL, SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL Swiss Confederation, has increased tax COUNCIL on a 0.275 litre bottle of RTD with an Peter Duff – Chairman UK alcohol content of 5.6% to 1.8 Swiss Uruguay Helena Conibear -Editorial Director UK francs (US$1.4) from 0.45 francs. The Elisabeth Holmgren - Director US USA tax on a 0.3 litre bottle has been increased Annual wine consumption is on the rise. Dr. David Bond Canada to 2.0 francs from 0.5 francs. The retail Figures released l show the amount of Francois Booyse PhD USA price of a bottle of RTD now averages wine drunk in Uruguay rose to 34 litres Morris Chafetz, MD USA 4.10 francs, when previously the average per capita, compared to 25.4 litres in Prof. R Curtis Ellison USA price stood at 2.30 francs. The move, 1991 and 31 litres in 1997. Harvey Finkel M.D. USA which came into effect on 1 February, is Tedd Goldfinger DO, FACC USA Uruguay annually produces between designed to decrease the consumption of Prof. Dwight B Heath USA 120,000 tonnes and 130,000 tones of the drink among young Swiss. It will also Arthur Klatsky M.D. USA grapes, according to the Uruguayan add to budget revenue to the tune of 50m Alfred de Lorimer M.D. USA national wine institute INAVI, with Prof. Oliver James UK francs per year. 96.5% of this amount being used for Christopher Jarnvall Sweden wine -making. Dr. Philip Norrie, MB BS Australia Russia Prof. Jean-Marc Orgogozo France Stanton Peele PhD USA Uruguay exports only 1.1% of its total Harvey Posert USA Russians are going off vodka. Figures wine production. Dr. Erik Skovenborg Denmark released by the National Alcohol Creina S. Stockley Australia Association show a decline in the Dr. Thomas Stuttaford UK production of vodka in 2003. It is the Finland Dr. Elizabeth Whelan USA second year in a row that production has The publisher takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of fallen. According to the NAA, the On 1 March Finland reduced its alcohol quotations and other information contained herein, but is not taxes.The spirits tax was lowered by 44 responsible for any errors or omissions. Opinions and manufacture of vodka and vodka-related recommendations quoted herein are usually excerpted, digested products decreased by 3.3% compared %, the tax on ntermediates by 40 %, the or condensed, may be edited for continuity, and are only part wine tax by 10% and the beer tax by 30 of the opinions and recommendations expressed in the original to 2002. sources, which should be consulted for details. %. The reason is Estonia’s EU accession © AIM Digest 2001. All rights reserved. Material may be The market share for whisky, brandy and in May. Alcohol is very inexpensive in reproduced with attribution to AIM. tequila increased, as did consumption of Estonia. Even after the Finnish tax cut, Published by: AIM Digest, PO Box 2282, BATH, BA1 2QY, UK wine and beer the Estonian taxes are much lower.

AIM DIGEST PAGE 2 SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS

Lawsuit Against Brewers Advertising to Mis Reporting Of Minors Drink Driving Figures Brewers Anheuser-Busch and SABMiller advertising. He believes that the brewers in UK for 2003 have been confronted with a $4 billion are “inflating their profits” through lawsuit alleging they target their underage drinkers. advertising at minors. The suit cites the marketing to underage The British Beer and Pub Association The suit, filed by a class-action lawyer drinkers of ‘alcopops’ and malt beverages (BBPA) is backing the Royal Society for from Seattle, Steve Berman, seeks to that are “disproportionately advertised” the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA) exploit two Californian laws. The first in youth-oriented magazines; on youth- call for the introduction of random forbids advertising intended to targeted radio; by running college events; breath testing but questions their analysis encourage underage drinking; the second and distributing free toys and products. of the UK Christmas drink drive allows individuals (as opposed to just the statistics. state’s attorney general) to sue on the The brewers are dismissing the action as state’s behalf for violations of California “without merit”. Anheuser-Busch VP “This year’s figures clearly show fewer consumer protection laws. Francine Katz said “Our advertising and accidents, fewer injuries and fewer drink marketing is directed at adults and is drive offenders,” said Mark Hastings, Berman has successfully sued tobacco placed in programming that is watched BBPA Director of Communications . makers in thirteen states with charges overwhelmingly by adults.” She also cites “This is positive news but we need that include targeting minors. He filed a 2003 review of industry marketing stronger enforcement by random testing the suit because of recent studies activities by the Federal Trade to help the number of offenders keep pinpointing a relationship between Commission confirming “our practices falling. We fully support RoSPA’s call teenage beer consumption and are responsible.” for random testing but challenge their interpretation of the official accident statistics which actually show a 4% fall Health Warning Labels Avoided in in drink drive offences. It’s an France..For Now indisputable fact that the number of collisions reported to the police fell by 6% from 12,402 to 11,622. And, of Alcohol producers, for now, have voted against these changes, the bill now those, 8.9% failed a breath test compared escaped two changes to legislation which returns to the French national assembly to 8.7 % in 2003, which means 1,035 would have had a major impact on their for further debate. drink drive offenders this year compared marketing in France. A draft bill which to 1,080 for Christmas 2002 – 45 was put before the Senate in mid-January, The alcohol industry thus has to remain fewer.” carried two amendments aimed at on its guard, especially in the light of introducing a warning label on bottles recent developments limiting the The Association of Chief Police Officers of wine, beer and spirits and modifying freedom of advertising for wine - (ACPO) also shows that the number of the current mandatory statement on all illustrated by the ban on Burgundy wine collisions causing injury totalled 5002, a drinks advertising ‘1’abus d’alcool est adverts and the reported threats of a drop of 4.58% on 2002-3, while drink dangereux pour la santé, consommez review of taxation policy. related collisions fell by a ‘significant’ avec modèration’ (Alcohol abuse Sharon Nagel of La Journee Vinicole 4.17 % on last year – 25% less than in damages your health, drink in comments on a potential tax review: ’ 1997. moderation). the high council mentioned in the report actually denied proposing an increase in “Drink-related road accidents have The statement would have been dictated tax on alcohol. It said that newspaper declined steadily since the 1970s which by the Health and Agriculture ministries reports had inferred the proposal on shows that responsible drinking and the French industry feared that reading a then unpublished report by the campaigns are working and random instead of emphasising the negative council and made a public statement to testing could add to their effectiveness,” impact of alcohol abuse, a new statement say that was not its official position as it Hastings added. would have introduced much lower had no authority to make such a thresholds. The second amendment, proposal. However, the issue of alcohol submitted by a senator from the French taxation is definitely being promoted by Reunion Island where alcohol abuse is a various authorities, not least of which is big problem, would not only have made the MILDT, whose chairman claimed it compulsory for the mandatory health that it would comment on it in a statement to appear on bottles, it would forthcoming report. The wine industry also have introduced a further statement most certainly has fears that taxation will warning about the risks of drinking come to the fore again very soon, as has during pregnancy. Although senators the issue of advertising and the limitations imposed on wine’

AIM DIGEST PAGE 3 MEDICAL NEWS

Female Heavy Phytochemicals May Protect Against Breast drinkers Risk Heart Cancer Disease Scientists at City of Hope Cancer Center healthy women, one glass of red wine a A study by University College London in Los Angeles isolated the wine day or eating grapes with skins and seeds found women who drank more than phytochemical, procyanidin B dimer, that may just reduce the overall circulation the recommended safe limit 2-3 units when given to mice with breast cancer of estrogen in the body. of 8g a day or 21 units a week reduced the size of their tumours. The increased their risk of heart disease by investigators explain, “ While there are Overall, it is emphasized that this 57%. already drugs on the market that can research points to the importance of a control estrogen-dependent breast cancer healthy well balanced diet that includes Overall death rates were seven times development in post-menopausal naturally occurring phytochemicals. Ref. higher among women who drank two women, this is the first naturally http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/ or more drinks a day than in those occurring phytochemical that appears to who drank less than three drinks a have the same effect.” It is explained A second study by French researchers week. The research, based on data on that he phytochemicals work in the same reported alcohol’s potential beneficial 3,374 women, is published in way as these drugs, but have the effects with respect to total mortality and Addiction. The difference in death advantage of naturally occurring in grape cardiovascular health but point out the rates among men was much smaller - skins and seeds. still inconclusive data with respect to cancer risk. They refer to evidence that with those drinking more frequently The scientists caution that the research wine may be associated with cancer risk just two and a half times at greater is based on an animal study, and that reductions due to the polyphenol risk. But being teetotal was also clinical trials on post-menopausal women resveratrol but emphasize that we are associated with an increased danger are needed to confirm any benefit to lacking data on its availability in vivo. those who did not drink at all had an humans. The lead researcher expressed They conclude, “Although regular 80% increased risk of heart disease concern about misinterpretation of the consumption of one or two glasses of compared with those who had a couple data cautioning that people should not wine seems reasonably safe from a health of drinks a week. Lead researcher Dr consume a lot of red wine, as alcohol is point of view, a recommendation to the Annie Britton said: “Little and often a risk factor for breast cancer. In fact, general population for low wine is probably the best method for the study found that for women to ingest consumption is not justified.” drinking but we certainly wouldn’t the comparable amount of procyanidin endorse people who don’t drink to go B dimer given to the mice, they’ would Reference: Bianchini F et al, Wine and Resveratrol: out and start as a result of this and have to drink a half bottle of red wine Mechanisms of Cancer Prevention? European Journal other studies. ..The best advice is not daily. However, he adds, for normal, of Cancer Prevention, Vol. 12, 2003 to drink more than the government’s guidelines of around 21 units for women a week”. Preserving Antioxidants in White Wines: Good “Many previous studies have focused on the risks experienced by middle- News! aged men, but we are becoming increasingly aware that alcohol By Gordon J. Troup, G.J. Troup, School of Physics & Materials, consumption among women is a real health issue.” Engineering, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia. Dr Britton commented. “The large When an air press is used to extract the Dr. Fulvio Mattivi; a wine scientist, who amount of drinking among young juices from white grapes (so as not to works at a nearby Italian research institute women seems to be quite a new crush the skins, and thus release their - also responsible for verifying the DOC phenomenon. We are not yet seeing the polyphenols), the oxygen in the air applicability to Italian wines. long-term effects and it could be 20 oxidises ~2/3 of the single ring phenols, years before we know what effect it the cinnamates. White wines without a Marto has developed a recycling gas has had. Our study is a snapshot of reasonable concentration of antioxidant press, using Nitrogen, which allows the what could happen.”. phenolics can cause health problems for preservation of the majority of the white people who drink only such white wines. wine antioxidants. Such a wine has ~3 SOURCE: Britton A, Marmot M. Different times the concentration of the phenolics measures of alcohol consumption and risk of coronary In San Michele al Adige, close to Trento in airpressed wine. The good news is that in Italy, there is winery (Pojer & Sandri) his first wine produced with this where one of the partners (Marto) technique is very good indeed. As reserves a section for researches on wine senorially evaluated by Dr. Mattivi, this production: the results are monitored by author and his wife. Other wine makers should note!

AIM DIGEST PAGE 4 MEDICAL NEWS

Alcohol and Preterm Pregnancy

This study, based on data from 40,892 delivery was 3.26 compared with that of level” have not been determined for pregnant women in Denmark evaluated nondrinkers. There were no differences many outcomes, the present study the association between amount and type in the associations between type of authors state that their findings should of alcohol consumed during pregnancy beverage and preterm delivery. not be used to encourage alcohol and the risk of preterm delivery. It consumption during pregnancy. assessed whether the relation differs The study showed that alcohol However, the fact that drinkers of up to among very (<32 completed weeks) and consumption below four drinks per week 4 drinks per week did not have an adverse moderate (32-<37 completed weeks) did not increase the risk of preterm outcome suggests that women who have preterm delivery. delivery; in fact, women in this study an occasional drink during pregnancy consuming 2-3.5 drinks per week had a should not be concerned about increasing Preterm birth is one of the main causes 20% reduction in risk of preterm delivery their risk of preterm delivery. Neither did of neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, that was statistically significant. The the findings support the belief that and functional impairments. Previous estimates of risk for greater amounts of women hoping to conceive should studies on alcohol consumption during alcohol were above one, indicating some abstain altogether, as their findings pregnancy and preterm delivery have increase in risk for preterm delivery, showed women who abstained from revealed conflicting results. Compared although it should be noted that none of alcohol prior to pregnancy and did not with those who abstained during these estimates suggesting increased risk drink during pregnancy actually had a pregnancy, the relative risk for preterm were statistically significant. higher risk of preterm delivery than delivery among women who consumed women consuming small amounts of from 4 to 7 drinks and seven or more In the US women are generally advised alcohol. drinks per week during pregnancy were to not drink at all during pregnancy, 1.15 and 1.77, respectively. Below these whereas in the UK one or two drinks (8g) Source: Albertsen K, Andersen A-M N, Olsen J, levels, no increased risk of preterm once or twice a week are deemed safe by Gronbaek M. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy delivery was found. Among women who the government guidelines. Since there and the risk of preterm delivery. consumed seven or more drinks per are many adverse outcomes to alcohol Am J Epidemiol 2004;159:155-161. week, the relative risk of very preterm consumption during pregnancy, and “safe

Red Wine Acts As Addiction and Eating Disorders Antibiotic are Linked

Findings from a team at the University A report issued by the National Center ..Even middle-school girls — typically of Illinois, published in New Scientist on Addiction and Substance Abuse age 10 to 14 — who have dieted in the magazine, conclude that red wine acts as (CASA) at Columbia University in New previous month and evidence no eating an antibiotic in the body. The scientists York reveals that parents of girls with pathology are almost twice as likely to tested the effects of concentrated extracts eating disorders should take special note become smokers as non-dieters.” from Pinot Noir wine and resveratrol – (web site www.casacolumbia.org) a chemical found in the wine – on certain CASA collected information from federal bacteria, and found that both compounds “Individuals with eating disorders are up government health data, and 500 books, stunted the growth of colonies of to five times more likely to abuse alcohol reports and articles for its analysis. bacteria. or illicit drugs, and those who abuse Patients with anorexia and bulimia may alcohol or illicit drugs are up to 11 times share certain characteristics with One strand of bacteria that wine was likelier to have eating disorders,” said substance abusers such as brain found to kill is chlamydia pneumoniae, Joseph Califano, CASA president and chemistry imbalances, low self-esteem or which scientists say can aggravate former Secretary of Health, Education depression, CASA said. They may also inflammation and slow arteries by and Welfare. “Both problems afflict the have unrealistic body images. The report leaving fatty deposits. Wine kills very young and quickly spiral out of found that while only 15 percent of girls potentially fatal bacteria, scientists have control. High school girls with eating under 18 were overweight, 40 percent discovered. disorder symptoms are much likelier to of girls in grades one through five and smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use 62 percent of teenage girls said they were drugs than those without such symptoms, trying to lose weight.

AIM DIGEST PAGE 5 ARTICLES

Global Authoritative Drinking Guidelines on Moderation: Understanding Potential Risks and Benefits for the Individual and Public at Large by Elisabeth Holmgren, AIM Director of U.S. Operations At the centre of the ongoing social policy provider rather than relying on broad a great many other serious health debate is the fundamental concern that public messages. problems. … Even one drink per day the public should be made fully aware The excerpts below, from some of the can slightly raise the risk of breast of the risks of alcohol misuse. Experts major international moderation guidelines, cancer.” In fact, any amount over the emphasize that a better understanding of offer an overview of current official moderation definition is portrayed as the potential risks and benefits of alcohol-related policy around the globe.* potentially increasing the risk of several drinking will reinforce the sensible and social and medical problems such as responsible consumption of the THE DIETARY GUIDELINES violence and high blood pressure. individual and the public at large. This FOR AMERICANS document is intended to reinforce the At the same time, the potential positive importance of sensible consumption for The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are effects are presented in the following way, those who choose to drink by giving an published every five years by the “Drinking in moderation may lower the overview on some of the most Departments of Agriculture and Health risk for coronary heart disease, mainly prominent authoritative statements from and Human Services with the most recent among men over age 45 and women over around the globe.* edition released in 2000 but a revised one age 55. However, there are other factors to be upcoming in late 2004 or early 2005. that reduce the risk of heart disease Taking a close look at public health policy The alcohol guideline is presented as part including a healthy diet.” In this context positions on alcohol in the US and of several nutrition messages intended to it is further explained, “Moderate abroad reveals interesting trends on what promote healthy lifestyles and eating consumption provides little, if any, health experts agree on and what they believe patterns by emphasizing, “Eating is one benefit for younger people.” The the public should be told. Most of the of life’s greatest pleasures…you can enjoy concluding sentence on the subject of reviews are done by distinguished panels all foods as part of a healthy diet as long moderate consumption and health also of experts often appointed by the as you don’t overdo it on fat, sugars, salt, cautions, “Some studies suggest that government to review both the and alcohol.” older people may become more sensitive biomedical and psychosocial evidence. The alcohol guideline not only outlines the to the effects of alcohol as they age.” In fact, while most guidelines risks of abuse but also some of the acknowledge the developing scientific potential benefits from moderation and In summary, while it is significant that consensus on moderate drinking and a emphasizes the following three messages messages on the potential health benefits reduced risk of coronary heart disease, in the “Advice for Today” section: associated with alcohol are highlighted the overall messages remain cautious and in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Ø If you choose to drink alcoholic generally non drinkers are advised not it should be recognized that their mention beverages, do so sensibly and in to start drinking. Overall, the messages is still very limited. However, these moderation. differ especially with respect to the Guidelines are very unique in that the discussions on any potential health Ø Limit intake to one drink (14g) per day importance of sensible consumption advantages and the general advice on for women or two per day for men, and with meals and as part of a well balanced women’s health, underage drinking, and take with meals to slow alcohol absorption. diet is underscored. Other important US the elderly. Ø Avoid drinking before or when driving, sources on drinking and health include or whenever it puts you or others at risk. recommendations by the National While at first glance, official moderation Institute on Alcohol Abuse and messages are much more positive than The message also cautions about Alcoholism as well as public health even ten years ago, it is increasingly additional calorie intake from alcohol and groups such as the American Heart apparent that policy bodies prefer to err defines a drink as a 12 oz of regular beer, Association. (See table III) on the side of caution because there is 5 oz of regular wine or 1.5 oz of 80 proof no clear scientific finding that can distilled spirits. Groups of individuals UK SENSIBLE DRINKING uniformly apply to every segment of the “who should not drink” include the young, GUIDELINES public. Furthermore, guidelines the elderly, pregnant women, and those acknowledge that while there may be who operate machinery or take medication. The UK Sensible Drinking Guidelines certain benefits, these are mainly evident Different from any other nation’s were published in 1995 by an appointed in middle-aged individuals and need to guidelines, the US message also states, intergovernmental group and are also be adequately weighed against certain “Risk of alcohol abuse increases when being revised in the near future. These risks. Many public health policy leaders drinking starts at an early age.” guidelines do not address any diet or stress that these facts should be The lead paragraph warns about abuse and lifestyle issues but they were designed as highlighted and that people should be several potential health risks by a review of medical evidence on alcohol urged to obtain more individual advice underscoring, “Excess alcohol alters to develop alcohol use policies that foster from their physician or healthcare judgment and can lead to dependency and responsible non abusive behaviour..

AIM DIGEST PAGE 6 Like the US Dietary Guidelines message, morbidity.” Furthermore, the guidelines Australia give both daily and weekly the UK Sensible Drinking Guidelines explain that middle aged or elderly non- limits. Furthermore, men and women caution about misuse and explain who drinkers or infrequent drinkers and are also advised to have one to two should not drink for both medical and especially those at risk for heart disease alcohol-free days a week, which is not social reasons. The guidelines also “may wish to consider the possibility that addressed in the US guidelines but address the “possible risk of breast light drinking may be of benefit to their advised in the UK guidelines. cancer” but do not specify abstention for overall health and life expectancy.” pregnant women or those who are trying In summary, the UK guidelines are much THE CANADIAN LOW RISK to conceive (one to two units of 8g a more specific in addressing potential DRINKING GUIDELINES week is deemed safe if pregnant in the positive health outcomes with respect to guidelines). On the other hand, the moderate consumption. Most The Canadian Low Risk Drinking guidelines provide more detailed advice noteworthy, the Sensible Drinking Guidelines were endorsed by the for individual situations. The specific Guidelines clearly suggest that for certain Addiction Research Foundation and the messages strongly discourage binge individuals; the benefits of moderation Canadian Center on Substance Abuse in drinking, recommend drink-free episodes may outweigh the benefits of abstinence. 1997. These alcohol guidelines were and provide advice on drinking patterns. They are also unique in that they provide developed for health promotion in the For example, they suggest possible both daily and weekly drinking limits for general population and are specifically changes in drinking customs for those men and women. intended to assist physicians in providing who do not drink, those who drink very best advice to individuals. little, or are in an age group with a high THE AUSTRALIAN DRINKING The Low Risk Drinking Guidelines risk for coronary heart disease. GUIDELINES “express current best advice about the health benefits and negative effects of In the UK levels of alcohol consumption The Australian National Health and alcohol use.” The different risks and “ unlikely to cause health damage “ are Medical Research Council released benefits from moderate consumption are defined as below “3 to 4 units per day “Drinking Guidelines” in 2003. These explained in similar ways to other for men/”, and “2 to 3 units per day for provide more comprehensive messages governmental guidelines and it is stated women”. A unit or drink contains, for the general population than either the that “men and women consuming up to however, only 8 g of alcohol. The UK US, UK or Canada. It is explained that 14 and 9 standard drinks per week, message is unique in that it also gives a the guidelines are intended to “provide respectively, have a lower risk of early guideline or limit for weekly Australians with knowledge and death than abstainers.” consumption, which are 21 units per understanding that will enable them to One standard drink contains 13.6 grams week for men and 14 units per week for enjoy alcohol, if they choose to drink, of ethanol. Furthermore, it is explained women. In line with the US Dietary while avoiding or minimizing harmful that alcohol “has a protective effect over Guidelines, it is emphasized that there consequences.” This overall opening a wide range of intakes” but when are some people who on medical grounds message reflects a positive and balanced abused, “benefits are counterbalanced by should not take up drinking as they can attitude that is further underscored by the increased risks of other chronic “make other changes to their lifestyle to statement, “Alcohol is widely used and conditions and injuries.” Additional lower the risk of coronary heart disease enjoyed throughout our society, and for advice in a slightly modified guideline has and improve their health in general.” many people it forms part of an been endorsed by the Canadian Centre With respect to moderate consumption enjoyable and generally healthy lifestyle on Substance Abuse, that is not and health, all cause mortality is noted that includes good diet and exercise.” increasing alcohol consumption for to be “at its lowest at modest drinking The first guideline of 12 in-depth abstainers or infrequent drinkers and levels (at about one unit a day for men messages states, “Everyone who drinks reducing risk of dependence by and women).” In addition, a maximum alcohol should control their pattern of abstaining one day a week. The health advantage of between one and two drinking to minimize both longer-term guidelines also explains, “In certain daily units is noted, and it is emphasized and short-term risks.” In addition, the circumstances and for certain individuals, that a significant health risk will not guideline states, “To minimize risks and the use of alcoholic beverages is accrue up to four units a day for men gain benefits in the long-term men contraindicated.” They include this and three units a day for women. The should not exceed an average of four cautious or non drinking advice for those guidelines also discuss that “the health standard drinks per day or 28 drinks a who are pregnant, have certain physical benefits are more evident from regular week and women should not drink more or physiological illnesses, take daily drinking.” Specifically, men over than two drinks a day or 14 standard medications, operate vehicles or age 40 and postmenopausal women are drinks per week”. machinery, are unable to control drinking, emphasized as recipients of a “significant A standard drink is only 10 g of ethanol are responsible for public order or safety, health benefit in terms of reduced vs. 14 g in the US or 8 g in the UK. As or are legally prohibited from drinking coronary heart disease mortality and in the UK, the Drinking Guidelines in such as underage people.

AIM DIGEST PAGE 7 These guidelines also emphasize the become responsible adult drinkers, a ago in that the differences between use general rule of no more then two gradual supervised introduction to and abuse are acknowledged. Most standard drinks a day. alcohol is recommended.” In addition, significantly, moderation guidelines The Canadians stress, “People pregnant women are advised not to drink discuss certain health benefits but caution considering increasing their drinking for or to “reduce their drinking to a about individual differences, women’s any health reasons should consult their minimum” as in the UK’s advice. In health concerns, as well as effects on the physician before doing so.” This is in summary, the Australian Guidelines elderly and underage individuals. Except keeping with the general message that provide the most specific for the UK guidelines, messages around individuals should not drink to “reduce recommendations for certain groups and the globe do not present the option for a their risk of health problems,” which is discuss both the potential risks and non drinker (at risk for coronary heart strikingly different from the UK advice. benefits in much more detail than the US disease) to start drinking for health In summary, the Canadian Guidelines are Dietary Guidelines. However, in contrast reasons and overall it is becoming evident unique in that the important role of the to the UK Guidelines, non drinkers are that healthcare providers will be physician or health care provider in not encouraged to start drinking to gain increasingly urged to address these health giving advice to individuals is any potential health benefits even if they issues with their patients. emphasized. While these guidelines in were at risk for heart disease. Most no way recommend drinking for non significantly, the guidelines show a more While guidelines around the world may drinkers for potential health benefits, they open approach on how to deter underage differ in certain respects, they all are clearly acknowledge that some drinking problems. cautious because of fears that incomplete individuals should be given advice on the To date the above guidelines are the most or too favourable messages may be subject. comprehensive in the world and have misleading or encourage abuse. been acknowledged by major research Governmental moderation guidelines THE CHALLENGE OF and policy organizations. There are may become more complicated as science VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF around a dozen additional countries that more narrowly specifies different alcohol MODERATION provide authoritative definitions of effects for different population groups moderation. However, all these differ in and individuals. We can foresee that all Along the lines of other official their advice on the most appropriate these issues will be debated over the guidelines, the report also highlights, drink sizes and unit messages to the months and years to come as positions “The protection that alcohol provides public. (See table I and II) in several countries will be revised. against heart disease is of importance only for people in age groups where heart When moderate drinking guidelines are As the moderation guidelines debate disease is a risk, generally from about age approached in a standardized way with moves forward it appears to be most 40 onward.” With respect to cancer it is respect to ethanol content, several responsible to support education emphasized, “There is clear evidence that interesting differences emerge. For messages that emphasize an overall alcohol is associated with an increased example, a drink in the US is 75% larger healthy diet and lifestyle for those adults risk of cancer overall…. In particular, than a drink in the UK. When the who choose to enjoy moderation and further research is needed to clarify the respective upper limits are compared, the tailor these messages so that they are in possible role of alcohol in relation to sensible consumption limits are much line with each country’s official guidelines breast and bowel cancer.” However, higher in the UK. Most strikingly, the and statements. AIM has long expressed different from any other official message, limits “deemed safe” for women are 70% concerns about alcohol misuse and it is explained that there may be lower higher and for men are 17% higher than advocated sensible consumption risks observed for certain cancer types those in the US. The Australian limits messages. Towards this end, AIM’s if alcohol is taken with meals. The report are about 40% higher for both women executive has worked with several encourages responsible drinking, warns and men. Therefore, research and policy members of the Medical and Scientific against drinking when undertaking leaders have stressed that socially Council to prepare a draft “Science and activities that involve risk, and details responsible education messages need to Social Responsibility Education certain groups that should not drink or highlight the appropriate drink sizes and Message” that can be viewed at who should use caution similar to other units for a particular population. drinkingandyou.com governmental guidelines. In contrast to Ultimately, that may also hold true for other governmental statements, there are any of the health related messages which This paper is based on an article by more detailed recommendations related may also vary due to cultural differences. Elisabeth Holmgren that was first pub- to the elderly and the young who are lished in Wines & Vines, March 2003. For urged to drink rather less than the general SUMMARY PERSPECTIVE key references, please visit www.aim- limits if they choose to drink at all. In digest.com. For additional information sharp contrast to any other guidelines, In conclusion, public health and nutrition on authoritative international guidelines the issue of underage drinking is policy-related positions on alcohol are visit www.icap.com addressed with the statement, “To much more favorable than only a decade

AIM DIGEST PAGE 8 Moderation Figures: NZ Target the Repeat Table I: Moderation Limits by Country - Drink Drivers Moderation Limits by Country (Men/Women) Since 1989, alcohol-related fatalities on

7 New Zealand roads have dropped by a massive 66%, suggesting that most 6 drivers have taken on board the message 5 about drinking and driving. However 4 the Beer Wine and Spirits Council of 3 New Zealand is not being complacent 2 in their efforts to curb drinking drivers. Max units per Day 1 0 Of those drinking drivers, who were Unit ed U.K. Australia New Canada Japan Denmark France States Zealand killed on our roads, about two thirds were hard core drinking drivers (with a blood alcohol level of above 1 50) Most countries have different drink unit sizes (see table II.) These countries also and about half of them were repeat specify a weekly limit for both men and women respectively as follows —United offenders with one or more prior Kingdom (21/ 14 units); Australia (28/14 standard drinks); New Zealand (21/ 14 convictions. units); and Canada (14/9 units). The US is not listing a weekly summary limit but emphasizes consumption with meals as an additional recommendation. The Council argues that if such people are not taking any notice of the current In contrast to the above, Denmark’s Guidelines only emphasize weekly limits as blood alcohol limits, they are unlikely 21 units per week for men and 14 units per week for women. to change their attitude if it is lower. Research carried out in Australia Source: Based on published official guidelines and ICAP summary report, December showed that the severity of the penalty 2003 has little effect on the behaviour of people when it comes to breaking the Table II: Standard Unit or Drink Sizes by Country law; rather it is the expectation of getting caught that is the deterrent. If

Standard Unit/Drink Size by Country it is high then this modifies people’s behaviour positively, if they have a low 25 expectation of getting caught, then they 20 take more risks. 15 10 The technology is now available to Grams Ethanol 5 target these people that are repeatedly 0 getting in a car and driving it while they

U.K. Italy are under the influence of considerable Japan Canada France Australia Denmark amounts of alcohol. There are Interlock United States New Zealand devices that can be fitted to repeat drink drivers cars. The device prevents them The amount for France is an average as they list 12 g for beer and 8 g for wine starting the car until they have passed Source: Based on published official guidelines and ICAP summary report, a breath test for alcohol levels. These December 2003 devices are used across the USA, Canada, Sweden and in several Table III: Major Authoritative Statements Address the Importance of Australian States. Rehabilitation and Moderation education programmes combined with The following selected website sources help to clarify the potential risks and lifestyle the Interlock technology is proving to advantages of alcohol: be very effective in the Countries using Dietary Guidelines for Americans visit at http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/ them. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ faq/faq.htm UK Sensible Drinking Guidelines at http://www.dh.gov.uk/AboutUs/fs/en Australian Alcohol Guideline at http://www.alcoholguidelines.gov.au/ Canadian Center for Addiction and Mental Health at http://www.camh.net/ about_addiction_mental_health/low_risk_drinking_guidelines.html

AIM DIGEST PAGE 9 REVIEWS

ICAP “International Drinking Guidelines” Summary

This study of international drinking and the Netherlands currently make no Some countries give only a weekly guidelines gives an analysis of the varying such distinction between threshold. Knowing how many drinks per advice from governmental and medical recommendations for men and women. week may be ‘safe’ does not answer the bodies across the world. The report question of how many drinks an highlights the fact that although all such Some countries offer specific advice for individual can safely consume in a given guidelines aim to offer the best advice ‘special populations’ such as pregnant day. to individuals for ‘safe’ drinking, there is women, the elderly, or individuals who considerable inconsistency in the actual are alcohol dependent. Advice to A minority of guidelines recommend one levels of alcohol that are considered safe. pregnant women generally is to not drink, or two days free from alcohol per week. These inconsistencies are explained from although some countries may only Further guidelines are situational a historical and cultural perspective, and recommend caution and a decreased level suggesting that individuals should avoid the report acknowledges that guidelines of consumption. alcohol in the workplace or during work may also reflect the view of current time (Italy), when driving (Luxembourg, governments as to how information on Public guidelines are often presented in Norway, US), while operating machinery health and risk should be shared with the terms of ‘standard drinks’. The (The Netherlands, Switzerland), while public, and the decision of some to err measurement of a ‘standard drink’ covers engaging in sport (Switzerland), on an on the side of caution. a broad range from 8g of ethanol (Ireland empty stomach or whilst in the company and the UK) up to 14g (USA and of young children (Norway). Most guidelines provide average Portugal) and 19.7g in Japan. Other recommendations which can be applied guidelines give daily thresholds directly Not all advice is discouraging drinking: to the majority of the population. in grams of ethanol. These vary for The UK Sensible Drinking guidelines However, differences in physiology and women from 10g in Poland to 50g in recommend that individuals who do not the ability to metabolise alcohol between Catalonia, and for men from 20g in drink, drink very little, or are in an age men and women has led to some Poland to 70g in The Basque Country. group at high risk from CHD, might countries such as the UK, France, ‘consider the possibility that light Australia and US recommending About a third of countries give an drinking might benefit their health’. The different thresholds for men and women. additional threshold for the week, which Swedish Research Council also include In the Netherlands, women with a lower is less than 7 times the daily threshold, recognition that ‘a moderate alcohol body weight are advised to drink less than ranging for women from 50g in Poland intake may have positive medical effects’. the recommended daily limit. Other to 140g in New Zealand, and for men countries such as Italy, Spain, Switzerland from 100g in Poland to 252g in To view the report visit www.icap.org Denmark. Global Social Responsibility Initiatives By The Worldwide Brewing Alliance This booklet has been put together by responsible commercial society for centuries in many cultures the Worldwide Brewing Alliance, which communications’, ‘Server training’, and worldwide…What does not vary is the involves brewing trade associations in the ‘Workplace initiatives and company brewing industry’s commitment to UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the responsibility campaigns’. discouraging misuse of its products as USA and the Brewers of Europe (17 shown by the initiatives described.” European brewing trade associations), Brewers worldwide produce 1,500 and focuses on demonstrating the efforts million hectolitres of beer every year and This report is well-designed and very made by the brewing industry to ensure support an estimated 17 million jobs both comprehensive, providing an excellent its products are used responsibly. directly and indirectly the production and overview of initiatives around the world. sale of beer. In the introduction the WBA The inclusion of the numerous posters The number and diversity of the say: “Beer is a social drink. When and publicity material adds visual interest initiatives listed recognise the cultural and consumed responsibly, it provides and makes report colourful and cultural legal differences in different countries pleasure, brings people together and fascinating, as one can see the varying and show the need to tailor activity to encourages them to socialise. Tens of strategies around the globe. local needs. More than 360 initiatives millions of people throughout the world from 34 different countries are described. enjoy drinking beer and do so safely and A website directory and address list These have been grouped under 6 main responsibly.” completes this report which is available sections: ‘Campaigns and educational from: British Beer & Pub Association, material’, ‘Campaigns and initiatives Editor Janet Witheridge of the British Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, designed to discourage people from Beer & Pub Association says: “Beer is London, SW8 5NQ Email: drinking and driving’, ‘Research and regularly enjoyed by people the world [email protected] Website: publications’, ‘Codes and practice for over and has been an integral part of www.beerandpub.com

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Binge Drinking: Causes, Consequences and Cures By Adrian Furnham

Alcohol use and misuse is as old as man The report also takes a psychological and college clearly helped young people (alcohol having been drunk in approach in attempting to understand understand what it means to drink well Mesopotamia 5000 year ago), with clear what turns a young person into a non- and derive pleasure and benefit from associations with celebrations and drinker or a modest, moderate, heavy, drinking. The most powerful agent in pleasure, which in part explains its secretive or abusive drinker. Alcohol determining young drinkers habits was popularity. However concern over binge dependence and abuse are among the shown to be parents, teachers and other drinking in young people is growing and most prevalent mental disorders in the role figures that discuss and model overall alcohol consumption appears to general public according to the study. A drinking patterns. Those primarily bei increasing in some sectors of the community study conducted in the US responsible for sensible drinking are first population in many countries with between 1980-1985 using DSM-III and foremost the young people, their associated problems. criteria found that about 8% of the adult friends and parents. For a copy of this In Binge Drinking: Causes, Consequences population had Alcohol Dependence and study, Please contact and Cures, Adrian Furnham defines Binge about 5% abused alcohol at some time [email protected] drinking as the consumption of a large in their lives. quantity of alcohol in a short space of time. The study finds binge drinking The report also looked at how social IREB report on 13-20 becomes especially problematic when norms, national customs and legal year olds drinking in associated with criminal, licentious or regulation attempt to specify who can and risky activities and may also be associated cannot drink alcohol, where and when. France with illegal drug taking. Social costs Countries who believed in draconian associated with excessive drinking range legislation are now turning too much IREB has 30 years experience of from driving accidents to absenteeism more liberal policies to encourage healthy surveying the consumption of alcoholic from work as well as opportunistic, and drinking. A particular focus of the study beverages by various population Their looks at attempts to control unhealthy violent crime. There is considerable surveys seek to better understand a drinking and specifically how to prevent disagreement among researchers as to population’s specific attitudes and what constitutes binge drinking and it it, with recent research on binge drinking behaviours towards alcohol, measuring quantitative and qualitative definitions being reviewed. Two clear findings came (for some it is 5 drinks per session for from the various studies, the first being and analysing the frequency, context, others it is 8.) that unhealthy drinking is caused by a motives and factors associated with multitude of different factors (personal, alcohol consumption. In the report, Adrian Furnham, the social, cultural and economic) that author, explores factors that influence interact to produce individual and The 2001 cross-sectional survey young people in Western, developed national drinking habits. involved 1028 teenagers between the countries to use and abuse alcohol. The ages of 13 and 20, recruited from the cultural, historical and sociological factors The second finding being that efforts to general population. The population is that shape a nations patterns are reduce, regulate and control alcohol identical to the census population and examined. Research clearly shows that intake by governments often ignores the there are cultural and national forces that complexities of the issues and attempts includes young people not enrolled in lead to significantly different drinking to reduce misuse by increasing taxation, school. patterns in different countries. Southern limiting licensing or banning advertising Europeans may consume as much if not can have unanticipated and paradoxical The survey looks at the prevalence of more alcohol than Northern Europeans effects, sometimes having the opposite alcohol consumption by gender and age, but they have healthier patterns of effect to that intended. but above all it highlights the drinking. In Britain it is estimated that association between alcohol 6.4 million people can be classified as a Cultural tradition, much more than consumption and socio-demographic, moderate to heavy drinker and a further advertising, alcohol pricing and academic, behavioural, relationship, and 1.8 million people heavy drinkers. Britain availability were predictors of psychological factors. The survey gives is pretty well in the European average for consumption (what is consumed, where estimated quantity of alcohol consumed consumption (Luxembourg, Ireland and and by whom). Therefore the alcohol Portugal being highest, Finland and industry: brewers, distillers and vintners and places consumption in a much Sweden being lowest). Alcohol have a role to play in the education and broader perspective, including modes of consumption was shown to be multi- supply to young people. drinking, lifestyles, opinions and values. determined by cultural, economic, legal, The survey shows a light decrease in The report concluded that prevention and alcohol consumption, both in consumer sociological and psychological factors and cure through education in schools, home alcohol consumption is as much a numbers and in alcohol intake. consequence of theses factors as a cause. To obtain a copy visit www.ireb.com

AIM DIGEST PAGE 11 PROFILE & NEWS

Profile: Francois Booyse in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr Booyse leads a multi-disciplinary Dr. Booyse received his Ph.D. in team of 17 researchers in a 5 year biochemistry from the University of program sponsored by the National Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The His research concerns alcohol and program is to explore the cellular, cardiovascular disease. molecular and genetic mechanisms by which wine components - alcohol and Currently, Dr Booyse is Program polyphenols - work to reduce and Director at the Division of prevent heart disease and deaths related Cardiovascular Disease, University of to heart disease. Their ongoing scientific Alabama. For the past seven years, he research has revealed that cardio- and his research team have developed protective results may derive not only new and improved methods of studying from individual polyphenolic Francois Booyse is a Professor at the alcohol and polyphenol induced changes components, per se, but also from Department of Medicine at the on the heart’s pumping function. Their additive or perhaps synergistic effects of University of Alabama. He is a Director studies have focused on the ability of alcohol and polyphenol components on of Molecular Cardiology, Director of the wine components to alter cellular and a variety of vascular, cellular and UAB Center for Wine and Cardiovascular vascular functions to reduce the overall haemostatic functions. Health, and Associate Director of risk of developing blood clots in the Research, Division of Cardiovascular heart’s blood vessels. They have AIM was therefore most honoured when Disease. established their laboratory as one of the Francois Booyse agreed to join AIM’s leading research groups to investigate the Social, Scientific and Medical Council, He graduated from the University of basic mechanisms that are involved in the bringing invaluable expertise to our Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, where cardio-protective effects of moderate international board of specialists. he also completed post graduate training alcohol consumption.

Dutch HORECA report By Peter de Wolf

Koninklijk Horeca Nederland Woerden number of young people whose parents owners and other licensees that it is ‘not have release analysis of 2 recent surveys originate from Morocco and Turkey was done’ to sell alcohol to people under a in Holland: the National Drugs Monitor already increasing significantly in the certain age. It’s safe to say that this Trimbos Institute Utrecht (longitudinal): nineties as well. In that period all the awareness isn’t as widespread under part of HBSC (Health Behaviour School variables of alcohol (ab)use increased. parents as it is under licensees. Dutch Aged children) and the NIGZ (National Two other factors frequently named in information and communication schemes Institute for Health improvement and the Dutch alcohol discussion are the never succeeded on gaining the attention Prevention of illness). The analysis found increased enforcement by the of parents. Moreover, it seems that that the perceived image that youth Keuringsdienst van Waren KvW parents are getting more and more drinks both more and more often, is not (enforcement agency for the Dutch accustomed to a national and local correct. Developing policy to prevent Alcohol and Hospitality Act) and the government that keeps them safe from alcohol abuse by young people is useful, influence of the euro. These two factors every possible hazard, whether that’s in but not on the basis of the assumption can only influence the 2002 figures; the the form of alcohol, tobacco, nutrition that they drink more and heavier and that euro was introduced on January 1st 2002 hazards, road safety, etc. the current policy needs to be intensified and the KvW intensified its enforcement by stronger enforcing instruments. in the same period. This does not account Among young people themselves, there for the decreasing figures starting already are signs that something of peer pressure Possible explanations suggested for these in 1999 and 2001. to not drink too much alcohol, is developments are not always accurate. developing. Not so long ago, this peer One is that the number of young people Is there an explanation? Is the recent pressure was directed in another with a Muslim background is increasing development a prelude of the direction, i.e. pressing ones friends to in Holland that this has an effect on the development for say the next 10 years? drink heavily. The last three years or so, alcohol use and abuse of young people. Contrary to the early nineties, the alcohol there is a tendency that it’s ‘uncool’ to Though there is probably some effect, abuse of young people is an important display excessive behaviour. This goes for it’s not as clear-cut as it seems. The issue. There is an awareness among pub violence, drugs as well as alcohol.

AIM DIGEST PAGE 12 UK Home Minister Wants Pubs To Pay For X is for Xmas, not Night Policing Xcess Nightclubs and pubs would have to Cardiff has seen a 75% growth in The Scottish Executive released a hard contribute to the cost of late-night licensed premises in the heart of the city, hitting campaign to tackle Scotland’s policing under government proposals to with police estimates putting the number attitude towards alcohol at Christmas. tackle misbehaviour blamed on binge of drinkers at weekends at 30-40,000, The poster campaign was backed by drinking. The Home Secretary, David with no more than 10 police officers on NHS, Alcohol Focus Scotland, The Blunkett, is concerned at the strain on duty. Scottish Licensed Trade Association police dealing with influxes of and Highland Spring. thousands of young people into town In London 200,000 people flock into the centres at weekends, antisocial behaviour heart of the West End at weekends. The posters, featuring a drunk, late at night and the long-term impact Westminster City Council said it was distressed girl inside a huge glass, aim on people’s health of binge drinking. concerned that the liberalising of to highlight the dangers of binge licensing laws, will lead to a big rise in drinking over the festive period. 1 The matter is being raised in the ‘Big late night drinking. Councillor Audrey in 7 patients admitted to casualty have conversation’ – a public consultation Lewis said ‘To be able to deliver clean been injured as a result of drinking. initiated by the Prime Minister. Ideas as streets, appropriate health and safety During Christmas and New Year this to how the charge should be checks on premises and policing takes figure raises implemented vary. A 1% levy on the money. We would be happy to consider annual turnover of an industry worth ways that extra resources may be made The RAC report on 2003, ‘Drink, £36 billion is suggested or a surcharge available, but ultimately polluters should Drugs & Driving revealed some on individual establishments; raising the pay.’ shocking statistics on alcohol question of whether it should be linked awareness. Nearly 80% of UK to numbers on premises, or a reputation The entertainment industry said it would motorists do not know what constitutes for disorder. strongly resist the introduction of and ‘one unit’ of alcohol and could extra charge, arguing that nightclubs and therefore unwittingly be putting Whitehall is divided, the Department for pubs make a substantial contribution in themselves or other people’s lives at Culture fears a levy on businesses would terms of tax and business rates already. risk. The report calls for “the damage the growing evening economy Mark Hastings, of the British Beer and government to increase public linked to the relaxed licensing laws Pub Association stated. ‘ We already pay awareness of alcohol units” . coming into force in 2005. The Home £13 billion in duty and VAT on alcohol. office and Department of Health are If David Blunkett wants to raise money concerned that this liberalisation will for policing, he should knock on the door CCTV ‘fails to stop lead to more trouble on the streets. of the Chancellor, not on the door of the local pub’. street fights’

Allied Domecq Reiterates Advertising Control Town centre CCTV schemes do not prevent drunken street violence, Position according to research carried out by the Allied Domecq has reiterated its position beyond existing legislation or voluntary University of Hospital of Wales, on advert legislation for the drinks trade. codes and sets a standard if there is Cardiff. In a letter to the Financial Times in neither. In support, we have an January, Chief Executive Philip Bowman advertising review board, with However security cameras do alert the detailed the company’s measures in this independent experts to monitor proposed police to assaults and reduce the area, and underlined that all parties have marketing and ensure it complies with numbers treated at casualty a role to play in controlling the situation. both the letter and spirit of our code. departments, says the journal Injury Also, since March 2003, we have been Prevention. Scientists said CCTV had In the letter, Bowman says: “There is a rolling out “responsible consumption” reduced the severity of injuries suffered growing mood that current codes messages as part of our advertising.” in street brawls. They concluded: ‘The regulating alcohol advertising are failing benefits of CCTV might lie less in in this respect. We regret this and believe Bowman concludes his letter by saying: preventing such offences,…but more in that, to regain confidence, the existing “We share concerns about alcohol misuse facilitating a faster police response to codes need much firmer application and and abuse and are more than prepared to arguments or assaults in public spaces, back-up. play our part in helping to promote which limits their duration and responsibility in drinking. A successful therefore reduces the incidence and “At Allied Domecq, we aim to go approach will recognise that while all can seriousness of injury.’ Town centre “beyond compliance” and have contribute, none has all the answers or fights were still likely to happen because developed a code of marketing practice all the responsibility and that, in the final of their ‘impulsive nature’, and because that is being applied worldwide. It goes analysis, individuals choose how much people were drunk. they drink.”

AIM DIGEST PAGE 13 ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN ALCOHOL AFFAIRS

UNITED KINGDOM USA, CANADA, SOUTH AMERICA, AUSTRALIA

ALCOHOL CONCERN WINE AMERICA HEALTH EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INCINC. Waterbridge House, 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 1200 G Street NW , Suite 360, Washington DC 20005 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW Washington DC 20037 0EETel: (0207) 928 7377 Fax: (0207) 928 4644 Tel: (800) 879 4637 Fax: (202) 347 6341 Tel: (202) 338.3501 Fax: (202) 965.6520 website www. alcoholconcern.org.uk email: [email protected] email: [email protected] website: www.americanwineries.org ICAP ALCOHOL EDUCATION and RESEARCH AMERICAN WINE ALLIANCE FOR RESEARCH COUNCIL International Center for Alcohol Policies AND EDUCATION 1519 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Abell House, John Islip Street, London SW1P 4LH website: www.alcohol-AWARE.com Tel: (0207) 217 5276 Washington DC 20036 Tel: (202) 986-1159 Fax: (202) 986-2080 AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE website: www.icap.org ALCOHOL and HEALTH RESEARCH CENTRE AND HEALTH University of West of England, Glenside Campus, 1995 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023-5860 THE CENTURY COUNCIL Blackberry Hill Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1DD Tel: (212) 362-7044 Ext. 234 Fax: (212) 362-4919 1310 G Street, NW , Suite 600, Tel: (0131) 536 6192 Fax: (0131) 5366215 email: [email protected] website:www.acsh.org Washington, DC 20005-3000 Tel: (202) 637-0077 Fax: email: mplant@[email protected] (202) 637-0079 Email: [email protected] BEER INSTITUTE website: www.centurycouncil.org 122 C Street, NW #750, HEALTH EDUCATION AUTHORITY Washington DC 20001 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF WINEGRAPE Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1 9TX Tel:(202) 737-2337 Fax: (202) 737-7004 Tel: (020) 72985656 Fax: (020) 77259031 GROWERS . email:[email protected] 601 University Avenue, Suite 135 Sacramento, CA 95825 email: [email protected] website: www.beerinstitute.org email: [email protected] website: www.hpe.org.uk and www.wrecked.co.uk website:www.cawg.org PROYECTO CIENCIA VINO Y SALUD THE MEDICAL COUNCIL on ALCOHOLISM Facultad de ciencias Biológicas, THE WINE INSTITUTE 3 St. Andrew’s Place, London, NW1 4LB Casilla 114 D. Santiago, Chile 425 Market Street, Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA Tel: (0207) 487 4445 Fax: (0207) 9354479 Tel:/Fax: (56-23) 222 2577 94105, USA Tel: (415) 512-0151 Fax: (415) 442-0742 email: [email protected] THE PORTMAN GROUP LODI -WOODBRIDGE WINEGRAPE 7-10 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, London W1G EDUC’ ALCOOL COMMISSION 9DQ 606, Cathcart, Suite 700, Montréal, Québec, H3B 1K9 2545 West Turner Road Lodi, CA 95242 USA Canada Tel: (514) 875-7454 email:[email protected] Tel: 020 7907 3700 Fax: 020 7907 3710 email: [email protected] website: www.educalcool.qc.ca website: www.portman-group.org.uk website www.lodiwine.com THE AMERICAN BEVERAGE INSTIUTE ALCOHOL FOCUS SCOTLAND OLDWAYS PRESERVATION & EXCHANGE 1775Pennsylvania Avenue NW , Suite 1200 Washington, TRUST 2nd Floor 166 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 2NH D.C. 20006 Tel: 202.463.7110 266 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02116 617.421.5500 Tel: 0141-572 6700 Fax: 041-333 1606 website: www.americanbeverageinstitute.com Fax: 617.421.5511 website: www.oldwayspt.org

BRITISH BEER and PUB ASSOCIATION FISAC THE AUSTRALIAN WINE RESEARCH Market Towers, 1, Nine Elms Lane,London. SW8 5NQ (Fundacion de Investigaciones Sociales A.C.) Francisco Sosa INSTITUTE Tel: 020 7627 9191 Fax:020 7627 9123 230. coyoacan CP 04000 Mexico DF - Mexico P O Box 197, glen Osmond 5064, South Australia, email: [email protected] Australia. Tel: 61 8 8303 6600 Fax: 61 6 303 6601 website www.beerandpub.com THE NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS ASSOCIAITION website www.awri.com Phone - 707-963-3388 Fax - 707-963-3488 website www.napavintners.com

EUROPE BREWERS of EUROPE GODA Rue Caroly 23-25, B-1060 Bruxelles Tel: (++32.2) 672 Gode Alkoholdninger, Kattesundet 9, DK-1458 23 92 Fax: (++32.2) 660 94 02 København K, Denmark Tel: 33 13 93 83 Fax: 33 13 03 email: [email protected] 84 email: [email protected] website: www.brewersofeurope.org website: www.goda.dk

FORUM of TASTE and EDUCATION STIVA FIVS International Federation of Wines & Spirits Livornostraat 13 b 5 rue de Livourne – Brussel 1050 Benoordenhoutseweg 22-23, 2596 BA , The Hague,The 18, rue d’Aguesseau, F-75008 - PARIS France Bruxelles, Belgium Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)70 314 2480 Fax: +31(0) 70 Tél. 33 01 42 68 82 48 Fax 33 01 40 06 06 98 Tel: 32 2 539 36 64 Fax: 32 2 537 81 56 314 24 81 email : [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected]. website www.forum-taste-education.com website: www.stiva.nl THE AMSTERDAM GROUP Rue Wiertz 50/28 ENTREPRISE et PREVENTION SCANDINAVIAN MEDICAL B-1050 Brussels Belgium 13, Rue Monsigny, 75002 Paris, France ALCOHOL BOARD Tel: +32 2 401 61 35 Fax: + 32 2 401 68 68 Tel: 00-33-53-43-80-75 Vandværksvej 11 DK - 5690 Tommerup email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Tel: 45 64 75 22 84 Fax: 45 64 75 28 44 website www.amsterdamgroup.org website: www.soifdevivre.com email: smab@org website:www.smab.org IREB FUNDACION ALCOHOL Y SOCIEDAD 19, avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris FUNDACION ALCOHOL Y SOCIEDAD DEUTSCHE WEINAKADEMIE GMBH Diego de Leon 44,2 ES 28006 Madrid Tel: +33 (1) 48 74 82 19 Fax: +33 (1) 48 78 17 56 Gutenbergplatz 3-5, 55116 Mainz email: [email protected] website: www.ireb.com Tel: + 34 91 745 08 44 Fax: + 34 91 561 8955 Tel: +49 02641 977340 Fax: +49 02641 977342 website: www.alcoholysociedad.org website: www.deutscheweinakademie.de OIV FIVIN MEAS Limited 18 rue d’Aguesseau, 75008 Paris, France Plaza Penedés, 3, 3,08720 Vilafranca del Penedés, Merrion House Tel: +33 (0) 1 44 94 80 94 Fax: +33 (0) 1 42 66 90 63 Barcelona, Spain Tel: 0034 (93) 890 45 45 Fax: 0034 1/3 Fitzwilliam Street Lower email: [email protected] website: www.oiv.int (93) 890 46 11 Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 611 4811 Fax: 00 353 1 611 4808 website www.meas.ie

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