Explore a new, entirely unconnected brand. The Alcohol Review 0.0 brand has been carefully hand-crafted and scientifically filtered so that it can get the approval even of people who do not particularly like the regular Alcohol Review. ■
Brand new
The great pyramid illusion
The “great pyramid illusion” is a classic illustration of a stunning optical phenomenon where even very large solid objects and symbols are rendered completely invisible when positioned next to the characters “0.0”. Explore this effect and more with Alcohol Review. ■
Alcohol Review – issue 105, August 2nd 2024
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In this issue: Dementia experts back alcohol price control; Dismay at wellbeing charity alcohol deal; Spain drafts framework to protect minors; German beer market 8% alcohol-free; Indian surrogate ad rules near
Alcohol messages
A few recent shareable posts highlighting some key alcohol messages.
Invitation: Alcohol Review’s first annual conference will be online on Thursday November 14th. Early-bird discounts available
News
Lancet experts recommend alcohol price controls to combat dementia. Alcohol price controls should be among the steps used to reduce high alcohol consumption to prevent or delay two out of five dementia cases, says a new report from a Lancet commission. [Comment]
Men’s wellbeing charity’s alcohol partnership sparks dismay. Public health professionals have expressed disappointment at a partnership between the UK Men’s Sheds Association, which supports social and creative community spaces, and alcohol multinational Diageo.
[Comment]
Spain drafts framework to protect minors. Spain’s health minister presented a draft law to establish a framework to protect the health of minors and ‘promote responsible alcohol consumption in society’.
German beer market now 8% alcohol-free: Alcohol-free beer made up under 8% of total beer production in Germany, having doubled in volume over the last ten years. In the UK it is more like 1-2%. The impact on alcohol harm is unclear, but some researchers plan to learn more.
India finalising surrogate ad rules: India’s Department of Consumer Affairs within weeks of publishing draft rules on surrogate ads for alcohol and tobacco, according to local media.
Alcohol messages
A few recent shareable posts highlighting some key alcohol information:
NEW: Alcohol Review 0.0 – an alcohol-free sub-brand can be used to promote the main alcohol brand
NEW: Alcohol undermines our nerve
Archive: Full list of alcohol messages
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UK alcohol deaths
Men aged 40-74 accounted for 56% of the UK’s record ten thousand alcohol deaths in 2022, while Women in the same age bracket made up another 30% of the total.* Join the supporters to find out more. ■
The alcohol “unlearning curve”
Alcohol has a reverse learning curve in which greater exposure tends to lessen our intuitive understanding of it rather than improving it. Alcohol Companion and Alcohol for Nerds were written to help rectify this unlearning process. ◼️
UPDATE: Men’s wellbeing charity defends controversial alcohol partnership
Updated 28.8.2024 to include response from Men’s Sheds.
The UK Men’s Sheds Association acknowledged concerns from health experts and shed users about its partnership with alcohol giant Diageo, while highlighting the benefits of the controversial deal.
“It is genuinely a response to harmful drinking especially in the 50-70 age group,” Men’s Shed chief executive Charlie Bethel told Alcohol Review. The 18-month pilot of the DrinkIQ-branded co-created product will allow the charity to assess its impact. One shed which closed now meets at a Wetherspoons, Bethel noted.
Bethel said some shed users have objected to the deal, but he said it is comparable to other charities taking money from National Lottery scratch cards. He said he could not speak for Diageo’s motives, but noted the success of its alcohol free beers. There is currently no evidence alcohol-free beer cuts harm.
“It’s prob too late but worth having a read of the evidence on partnerships with harmful product industries They don’t have men’s health–or women’s, for that matter–as a strategic aim,” said Greg Fell, President of the The Association Of Directors of Public Health (UK), on X at the time of the announcement in late July.
“There are other places to get your information about alcohol harm to help with recovery, addiction and mental health regarding alcohol than those that make it profit from it,” commented alcohol harm reduction campaigner Mick Unwin.
“This is a very unfortunate move by UK Men’s Sheds,” said Sheila Gilheany head of Alcohol Action Ireland, echoing the similar concerns about the expertise an alcohol company might have in offering information on alcohol harm.
“Very sad to see this corporate capture of Men’s Sheds,” said another commenter who sits on the board of a harm reduction charity. ■