Alcohol Industry Pushes “Responsible Use” to Avoid Effective Policy
Posted on September 23, 2024 in Diageo, Heineken, Pernod Ricard, Deception, PanamaPanama’s recent campaign promoting “responsible drinking” is a classic example of the alcohol industry’s misleading tactics. Framed as an effort to reduce alcohol harm, the initiative encourages people to use alcohol in moderation rather than addressing the inherent dangers of alcohol itself. This strategy shifts responsibility away from the industry and onto individuals, deflecting attention from the fact that alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases and health disorders globally.
By focusing on “responsible drinking,” the campaign implies that alcohol can be consumed safely, as long as it is done “responsibly.” This narrative suggests that alcohol can be used safely with moderation, which is misleading. The truth is, there is no safe level of alcohol use—any amount can increase the risk of serious health issues like cancer and heart disease. It also obscures the fact that many people struggle to define what “moderation” actually means, potentially leading to risky consumption patterns.
This campaign is run by the Saber Beber Foundation, which includes alcohol industry giants such as Heineken Panamá, Pernod Ricard, and Diageo among its members. These companies use the foundation as a front to promote the idea of “responsible use,” while continuing to market their products aggressively and oppose meaningful regulations that would reduce alcohol harm.
Deception is Big Alcohol’s activity to hinder and obscure public recognition of the real effects of alcohol. The focus of the DUBIOUS FIVE strategy of deception is the public’s recognition of the full extent of alcohol harm, the understanding of the risk caused by alcohol products, and the root causes of alcohol harm and their most effective alcohol policy solutions. Using deception strategies Big Alcohol seeks to fuel cognitive dissonance among the public.