The group opposed to the drinks industry-funded anti-alcohol campaign has raised concerns that a public relations group previously involved with the tobacco industry is now the secretariat for the campaign.
The 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' initiative, which has received €1m in funding from drinks firm Diageo, has confirmed it is using the services of UK-based lobby group Goddard Global.
The agency previously acted as secretariat for a group called the Common Sense Alliance which lobbied against European directives aimed at tackling the tobacco industry. The Alliance was funded by the British American Tobacco - one of the world's largest tobacco firms.
As secretariat for the new campaign, they execute the wishes of the board and help facilitate workshops.
The campaign website, www.rolemodels.ie, also appears under the registered domain name of Chris Dougan. This is the same name as a member of the company's four-person 'leadership team' who is also Goddard's global managing partner. Mr Dougan lists Diageo as one of his clients on his profile on the company website.
Goddard did not respond to queries from the Irish Independent last night.
Source: Sam Griffin, Irish Independent, 10/03/15
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
