Unmasking the Conflict of Interest in Cambodia’s New Alcohol Initiative
Posted on February 20, 2025 in Bacardi, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Manipulation, CambodiaA new alcohol policy initiative in Cambodia aimed at developing alcohol use guidelines is being framed as a step forward in tackling alcohol harm – but a closer look reveals a troubling dynamic. The project, led by the Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute (SEAPPI) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), is in fact funded the alcohol industry, through the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wine Alliance (APISWA).
APISWA represents some of the world’s largest alcohol producers, including Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown Forman, Campari, Diageo, Moët Hennessy and Pernod Ricard. When the alcohol industry is allowed to influence policy, the focus shifts away from effective interventions – such as tax increases, availability restrictions, and marketing bans – and toward weak, voluntary measures under the guise of “responsible drinking.”
This is a well-documented strategy. The term “responsible drinking” is a key part of the alcohol industry’s strategy to shift blame for alcohol harm onto individuals, rather than acknowledging the broader role of aggressive marketing, low pricing, and widespread availability in driving alcohol-related harm. By promoting this concept, the industry seeks to avoid discussions about population-level policies, which are proven to be far more effective in preventing and reducing harm. Furthermore, “responsible drinking” falsely implies that there is a safe level of alcohol use, contradicting public health research showing that no amount of alcohol is risk-free.
This pattern is not unique to Cambodia. Globally, Big Alcohol pushes for self-regulation and uses lobbying and corporate responsibility messaging to avoid stronger policies that could impact their bottom line. Instead of supporting meaningful change, industry-backed initiatives create the illusion of progress while allowing alcohol harm to persist.