A controversial Diageo-funded alcohol awareness campaign has been criticised for not recommending a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sport.
After a 10-month research and consultation period, the Stop Out-of-Control Drinking campaign’s report recommends a new, national Foundation to Reduce Alcohol Misuse to achieve a “generational shift” in drinking culture that will deliver a 30% reduction in alcohol misuse by 2025.
The independent foundation would run for 10 years and be chaired by a government appointee. Its remit would be to co-ordinate public services, health groups, industry, education institutions, and others to implement a wide-ranging set of recommendations focused on changing behaviours and attitudes towards alcohol.
The report also advocates an inter-generational approach to cultural education, and school alcohol education from primary level up to university.
It also calls for more support services to allow parents and peers to take a leading role in the fight against out-of-control drinking. The campaign has been widely criticised since its inception amid claims it is a “smokescreen” to take the political focus away from wider legal reforms around minimum pricing, marketing, alcohol promotion and alcohol availability.
Source: Conall Ó Fátharta, Irish Examiner, 24/09/15
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