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Public Health Implications of the International Alcohol Industry: Issues Raised by a World Health Organisation Project
Author(s) -
McBride Rob,
Mosher James F.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
british journal of addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0952-0481
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1985.tb03264.x
Subject(s) - indigenous , alcohol industry , public health , business , tourism , economic growth , political science , marketing , medicine , economics , advertising , law , biology , ecology , nursing
Summary This article reviews the research conducted during a World Health Organisation study project entitled Public Health Aspects of Alcohol Availability. This project: a) traced trends in world alcohol availability, b) outlined the international alcohol industry, c) conducted pilot studies on the impact of the industry on drinking in developing countries, and d) highlighted areas of potential policy concern. The project overview was given by Alcoholic Beverages: Dimensions of Corporate Power. This report indicated European‐style commercial beverages were being diffused all over the world by transnational conglomerates using aggressive, sophisticated marketing practices. Information on the international industry's effect on alcohol consumption in developing countries was provided by pilot studies on several geographical regions. While data were preliminary, they did indicate alcohol production was expanding everywhere, with trade a crucial factor in several locales. In areas with indigenous traditional beverages, European‐style beverages had supplemented, not replaced traditional drinks. The pilot areas evidenced various industry ownership patterns, each highly influenced by transnational corporations. Special studies were also commissioned, which provided information on roles alcohol can play in specific social formations, such as tourism, agricultural cooperatives, and colonialism. Although the project ended prematurely, before in‐depth research was completed, it documented the importance of international economic patterns in understanding and addressing public health issues in the alcohol field.