A new article in PLoS Medicine examines how transnational tobacco companies sought to influence tobacco policy in the Czech Republic, a nation with one of the poorest tobacco control records in Europe. The authors focus on efforts to shape excise tax policies, one of the most effective means of reducing tobacco consumption, and an important determinant of tobacco companies’ competitiveness.
Cleavages and co-operation in the alcohol industry on minimum pricing in the UK
A new report in BMC Public Health examines the differing interests of actors within alcohol industry on contemporary debates concerning the minimum pricing of alcohol in the UK, the cleavages which emerged between them on this issue and the impact of these differences on their ability to organize themselves collectively to influence the policy process.
Merck Cribs Page from McDonald’s Playbook
In a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission, reports the New York Times, the Public Health Advocacy Institute and 10 other groups called Merck’s marketing strategy for Children’s Claritin dangerous and deceptive, pointing to the inclusion of Madagascar stickers in some boxes of the product, the creation of activity books that parents can download for their children and the enlistment of a team of mothers who blog to hold Claritin-themed Madagascar viewing parties for their children and friends.
Big Food to New York City: Drop Dead
High-profile players in the city’s restaurant and hospitality industries have joined forces to form a new lobbying group, citing frustrations with the city’s health department efforts to strengthen food regulation, reports the Wall Street Journal. “People are really feeling under siege from the health department,” said Rob Bookman, counsel for the group, the New York City Hospitality Alliance. The new trade group marks the first time all segments of the city’s hospitality industry are banding together—from restaurants and nightclubs to hotels and large suppliers, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev. “You speak to a restaurant operator and they’re really at their wit’s end,” said Andrew Rigie, a leader of the new group. “New York City is a very competitive place to run a hospitality business and the last thing they need is the government making it more difficult.”
New Report Finds Food Advertising to Children Down Slightly but Still High
A new report from the Rudd Center found that children viewed 5% fewer food and beverage advertisements in 2011 compared with 2010, while adolescent exposure remained flat and adult exposure increased by 4%. The average 2- to 11-year-old saw 12.8 food and beverage ads per day in 2011 compared with 13.4 ads in 2010 and 14.0 ads in 2004 (the peak of children’s food advertising exposure). This 2011 reduction somewhat reversed the dramatic upward trend recorded in 2010, but exceeded children’s average annual ad exposure from 2006 to 2009.
England’s Government Councils Investments in Tobacco Companies Pose Potential Conflict
A new report from the BBC finds the government councils that will have responsibility for leading local efforts to reduce the burden of death and disease from smoking beginning in 2013 have substantial investments in the tobacco industry, presenting potential conflict of interest. BBC reports that Councils across the east of England that are to take a lead role in NHS anti-smoking campaigns have invested more than £167m (US$ 259 million) in tobacco firms.
Big Tobacco Money Wins California Referendum
While most media attention in last week’s primary focused on the Wisconsin recall election, another important outcome came in California. Voters rejected a $1 a pack increase on cigarette taxes by a margin of 50.8% to 49.2%, a difference of about 60,000 votes out of the almost 4 million votes cast. A statewide poll in March 2012 suggested the measure would pass with two-thirds approval but a $47 million ad campaign by the tobacco industry helped to turn the tide. According to an Associated Press report, the ads scarcely mentioned the word “tobacco” — showing that cigarette makers are shifting away from arguing about their product and looking for other ways to attack tax initiatives.
Local dominance of Asian Alcohol Markets Presents Growth Opportunity for Multinational Alcohol Companies
Across the globe, liquor is still a local game, at least for now. Global brands account for only 60 of the top 180 booze brands, reports Ad Age, based on the latest annual ranking of liquor brands that have sold at least 1 million 9-litre cases by Drinks International and Euromonitor International. The reason local brands still rule is that Asia accounts for roughly half of global spirits volume. And consumers in massive markets like China and India still gravitate to cheaper, locally made booze.
WHO Calls on World Leaders to Say No to Tobacco Industry
On World No Tobacco Day (31 May), the World Health Organization called on national leaders to be extra vigilant against the increasingly aggressive attacks by the industry which undermine policies that protect people from the harms of tobacco. Tobacco kills almost 6 million people every year and is one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death around the world. “In recent years, multinational tobacco companies have been shamelessly fueling a series of legal actions against governments that have been at the forefront of the war against tobacco. The industry is now stepping out of the shadows and into court rooms,” says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. “We must now stand together with these governments that have had the courage to do the right thing to protect their citizens.”
7-Eleven Threatens Children with Supersized Alcopop Bargains
In a new report “Alcopops Cheaper than Energy Drinks: 7-Eleven Gambles with Children’s Lives”, Alcohol Justice, an alcohol industry watchdog, reports that convenience store giant 7-Eleven cuts prices on supersized, youth-attractive alcopops so they are cheaper than non-alcoholic energy drinks. While on average, alcopops were the same price per standard alcoholic drink as beer, supersized alcopops in 16- to 24-ounce cans were cheaper per standard drink than similarly sized beer. Some supersized alcopops, such as Four Loko and Mike’s Harder Lemonade, entice youth with more alcohol for the price than even similar sized malt liquor.
Corporations and Health Watch 