New Data Shows The Alcohol Industry Cannot Be Trusted, Australia

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 04 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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New data obtained by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) shows the alcohol industry has been deliberately misleading the public about the impact of the Federal Government's alcopop tax. John Rogerson, CEO of the ADF, says:

"These figures prove the alcohol industry has been trying to mislead the Australian community on the alcohol issue, just like the tobacco industry did in the 1980s: The alcohol industry can no longer be trusted and should have no role in developing more effective policy to reduce alcohol related harm in Australia."

The Nielsen ScanTrack Liquor data, which is derived from direct sale of liquor products in Coles and Woolworths outlets (representing 46% of the total alcohol market in Australia) shows the alcopops tax is working contrary to information provided by the alcohol industry last week.

The data obtained by the Australian Drug Foundation shows the sales of RTDs have plummeted by 36% and sales of spirits have hardly changed, increasing by only 3.4%, a far cry from the 46% increase in the Liquor Merchants Association of Australia data last week. Overall, this new data shows an decrease in all alcohol consumption of 11.4% when compared to the same period last year, a very strong indicator that the alcopop tax is having a positive impact.

The commercial data obtained by the Australian Drug Foundation is released regularly to the alcohol industry by AC Nielsen, and means the alcohol industry knew this more substantial data was showing a very different trend to their other "evidence" released last week.

"This new information proves the alcohol industry deliberately misled the public, politicians and policymakers. The data they put forward last week was totally misleading because they had the more comprehensive AC Nielsen data all along. This was a deliberate attack on the Government to try and remove a health policy that is against their commercial interest" says Mr Rogerson

"It is important the Government urgently set up a new body to approve and monitor alcohol advertising independent of the alcohol industry who can no longer be trusted with this important role.".

"This new information also affirms research from all over the world that taxation is a major way to reduce alcohol harm and provides the Rudd Government with great confidence that a total over haul of alcohol taxation in Australia with have a significant influence in changing the alcohol culture in this country".

Mr Rogerson says that, while many in the public health field were suspicious about the alcohol industry's intentions behind their recent media blitz, he is shocked that they went so far as to try to hide evidence contrary to what they were saying.

"This means that the alcohol industry just can't be trusted."

RTD TAX Background:

The RTD tax is aimed at making RTD products less attractive and accessible to young people. Research shows that RTDs are the most popular alcoholic beverages for 12 - 15 year old drinkers, who are especially vulnerable to the long-term effects of alcohol use. Use of RTDs among young people is increasing, with ABS data showing 60% of female drinkers aged 15 - 17 consumed an RTD in 2007 compared to 14% in 2000. Alcopops are also the drink of choice for both male and female binge drinkers aged 14-19.

Australian Drug Foundation