Yesterday, we hosted the International Scientific Symposium on reducing the burden of alcohol, in collaboration with Santé publique France.
A big thank you to our line-up of speakers, who explored the latest evidence and actionable strategies to address the burden of alcohol consumption, focusing on low-risk drinking guidelines and the commercial determinants of health.
What are the key takeaways?
1️⃣ Low-risk drinking guidelines
- Pierre Arwidson presented the evolution of the French guidelines. He stressed the need for policies beyond guidelines, such as raising alcohol prices and regulating advertising.
- Catherine Paradis pointed to Canada's ‘Less alcohol, less risk’ message as an accessible framework, underscoring the importance of informing the public and encouraging incremental reductions.
- John Holmes highlighted lessons from the UK, including the importance of promoting clear, consistent guidelines and avoiding mixed messaging.
- Emily Brennan emphasised that strategic campaigns and tools like apps, alcohol labels, and mass media initiatives were shown to be effective.
2️⃣ Commercial determinants of health
- Mark Petticrew, Florence Berteletti and Daniel Benamouzig exposed the alcohol industry's tactics: shifting blame to consumers, funding disinformation, and obstructing regulation. They called for greater transparency and stronger labelling regulations.
- Eunan McKinney detailed Ireland’s experience with the Public Health Alcohol Act, which successfully implemented bold measures such as marketing restrictions, despite industry pushback.
- Discussions emphasised the need for policy momentum, involving diverse stakeholders and addressing structural issues like affordability, labelling, and marketing practices.
3️⃣ Changing norms around alcohol consumption
- Social norms are evolving, with younger generations showing increasing interest in wellness and non-alcoholic alternatives. Public health should capitalise on these trends to normalise non-drinking without demonising alcohol consumption.
- Communicating about the harms of alcohol in relatable, non-patronising ways is key.
4️⃣ What is in store for the future?
- Francois Beck and John Newton emphasised the need for a unified strategy that builds partnerships, challenges the alcohol industry, advances research, and empowers the public with the tools and information to make informed decisions.
The recording of the seminar will soon be made available.
Interested in this topic? Read about Santé publique France’s work addressing young people’s exposure to alcohol ads in the latest edition of the EuroHealthNet Magazine ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eijYYnKF
WHO Regional Office for Europe The University of Sheffield Cancer Council Victoria London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London European Alcohol Policy Alliance - Eurocare Sciences Po Institute of Public Health UK Health Security Agency
