Alcohol industry uses tobacco tactics

The alcohol industry is attempting to delay the introduction of mandatory warning labels by using techniques learned from big tobacco, according to the international scientific journal Addiction.

The tactics include falsely disputing the evidence and rationale for labeling, making claims of negative impacts on public health and the economy, and lobbying and seeking political influence through large political donations.

Authors of the report say that their findings show the alcohol industry’s success in delaying effective alcohol policy and highlight the significant deficiencies of industry self-regulation.