The Belgian brewing industry, Mexican tequila producers and Heineken lobbied governments this summer to resist efforts by the United Nations health agency to impose stricter rules aimed at limiting alcohol consumption, according to letters and emails seen by Reuters.
These previously undisclosed activities show how the global drinks industry, worth more than a trillion dollars, is confronting the World Health Organization (WHO) over its increasingly hardline stance that there is no "safe level" of alcohol consumption, Reuters writes in the article "Alcohol industry lobby in conflict with WHO over health impacts".
The industry disputes that view. As consumers, driven by health concerns and economic pressures, reduce alcohol consumption – hitting company profits – the conflict highlights the sector's intensified efforts to stave off further restrictions.
Alcohol policies eased in United Nations health pact
The WHO and other health institutions warn that alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, is associated with an increased risk of certain forms of cancer and other diseases.
Doug Reque, a technical officer at the WHO, told Reuters that the harmful effects of alcohol at the population level are "consistent and well documented."
Alcohol producers, however, argue that the science is more complex and shows that moderate drinking is low risk. The chief executive of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), Julian Braithwaite, said the industry wanted to become "more active and vocal" in the public debate.
That's why IARD members, including the world's leading beer and spirits producers, have increased funding for the organization to play a more active role in discussions about the scientific basis of alcohol policy and to counter the messages of health authorities.
Controversial UN document
The current flashpoint is a new UN-backed treaty, due to be adopted by states on September 25, that sets targets to combat noncommunicable diseases, including those related to alcohol.
The first draft in May, which was supported by the WHO, proposed stricter alcohol control measures. However, in a later version, published in early September, many of these were omitted or watered down.
The WHO said last week that the process was heavily influenced by lobbying from the alcohol industry.
According to a letter seen by Reuters, the National Chamber of Tequila Industry (CNIT) in Mexico sent a letter to the government in May, shortly after the draft was published. CNIT asked authorities to help remove references to WHO-backed policies during international negotiations - including raising taxes on alcohol and restricting its availability for sale.
In the September draft, these measures were softened by wording that countries should "consider" introducing higher taxes "in accordance with national circumstances" and "consider affordability measures."
In a separate letter to the Mexican government, Heineken proposed that instead of a complete ban or restriction on alcohol advertising, the focus should be on preventing advertising directed at minors. That proposal was accepted – calls for a ban on alcohol advertising were dropped from the September version of the agreement.
The Belgian Brewers Association sent an email to the deputy prime minister's office in June, complaining that the health minister was taking "radical positions" on the UN text. The industry group warned that references to "reducing harmful consumption" should not be extended to all forms of drinking.
"It is standard practice for industry to communicate with policymakers"
Heineken, CNIT and the Belgian Brewers Association told Reuters that it was standard practice for the industry to communicate with policymakers. CNIT said it was not seeking to weaken the UN agreement, but to ensure it was "effective and fair" and based on scientific evidence.
Both CNIT and Heineken stressed that the private sector has a recognized role in the UN health process. Belgian brewers, on the other hand, warned that shifting the focus to all alcohol consumption could be counterproductive.
It is not known whether the Mexican government accepted the industry's proposals during the negotiations. Mexico's health ministry did not respond to Reuters' questions.
IARD's Braithwaite said the changes made to the health targets reflect governments' recognition that an approach that distinguishes between moderate and harmful alcohol consumption - such as drink-driving, for example - works.
However, Jeremy Farrar, WHO's assistant director-general for health promotion, disease prevention and health protection, said the organization must tackle the main causes of ill health more decisively - from alcohol to pollution.
"Change is needed," Farrar told Reuters.
Battle of messages
According to a Reuters analysis, WHO headquarters and its European office have increased the number of published papers related to alcohol since 2022. And in 2023, the organization took the position that "there is no safe level of alcohol consumption."
Company executives argue that the industry needs to be more proactive and promote the "positive aspects" of moderate drinking.
In March, Diageo advertised for a new position in its global lobbying team, citing an "unprecedented challenge" coming from the WHO and related NGOs that are putting pressure on governments.
A Diageo spokesman said such positions were "a standard way we work with governments to advocate for proportionate, evidence-based policies that support both society and business."
Diageo's interim chief executive, Nick Giangianni, told a recent conference that the spirits sector was "shadowed by negative messaging" and needed to be more proactive in managing the public dialogue.
Carlsberg CEO Jakob Arup-Andersen told Reuters last month that moderate alcohol consumption has benefits for socialization and mental health, and that the industry should be conveying those messages.
But the health and policy arguments made by beverage companies should be viewed with caution, warns Eric Crosby, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno's School of Public Health.
"We have to remember that these are business companies. Their goal is profit," Crosby said.
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