Dear Tamara

In a recent edition of your magazine, contributor Katherine Rich CEO of the NZ Food and Grocery Council was afforded significant space to criticise comments attributed to me in a media article concerning Heineken’s sponsorship of a sober driver campaign during the Rugby World Cup (see A Disappointing Attack). I respectfully request the opportunity to respond.

Firstly, Ms Rich alleges we/I attacked the Heineken campaign. I did not issue a press release or any other form of “attack” on the campaign. In fact, I was approached by the media outlet concerned for comment. Ms Rich’s comments focussed on what the media printed, and she did not seek to verify or clarify our comments or position with me before making a number of erroneous comments and criticisms.

Secondly, our organisation has been and always will be driven by the science of reducing alcohol-related harm – the evidence-base. The evidence is clear – educative campaigns, such as the Heineken campaign, do not work to reduce alcohol-related harm. While they can be supportive in a mix of more effective strategies, they are ineffective alone. 

The evidence is also clear that exposure to liquor industry advertising and sponsorship contributes to alcohol-related harm by encouraging the early onset of drinking among the young, encouraging heavier drinking and helping to sustain existing norms (a.k.a. our problem drinking culture).

So, according to the evidence, the Heineken campaign was using the most ineffective way to reduce alcohol-related harm, and promoting itself at the same time.

Thirdly, I take my hat off to the people who made the Rugby World Cup such a success. However, the input of those producing, selling and promoting alcohol did nothing but make their jobs so much harder. Hospital emergency departments were over-flowing, Police resources stretched to capacity and beyond, and let us not forget that two people tragically lost their lives during the event due to alcohol-related causes, one being a pedestrian killed by a recidivist drunk-driver.

Finally, I make no apologies for keeping our eyes on the ball and saying what needs to be said, no matter what the time or event. The lives, health and safety of New Zealanders are our primary concern.

I’m more than happy to give credit where credit’s due, however Heineken and other alcohol industry players have some way to go before being deserving of such praise. They, along with others in the liquor and hospitality industries, continually promote ineffective approaches to reduce alcohol-related harm and, at the same time lobby against the effective ones.  

Kind regards
Rebecca

Rebecca Williams
Director, Alcohol Healthwatch