Health professionals recommend that universities and schools prohibit alcohol industry-sponsored educational programs

Public health experts are calling for a ban on alcohol industry-funded education programs in UK universities and schools, citing concerns that these initiatives normalize drinking and downplay the long-term health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The issue has come to light following an investigation by The BMJ, which highlighted industry-backed programs such as a “freshers’ week survival guide” for university students and a theater-based educational program in schools funded by Diageo, a major alcoholic beverage company.

In Ireland, a successful campaign led to the removal of alcohol industry-funded educational programs from schools, but in the UK, universities continue to welcome initiatives funded by Drinkaware, a charity supported by alcohol producers and retailers. These programs aim to educate students about “responsible” drinking skills, providing materials like free cups to measure alcohol units and advice on staying hydrated during freshers’ week.

Critics, including experts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, argue that these programs focus too heavily on short-term effects of alcohol consumption and fail to address the long-term health consequences, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. They also raise concerns about the selective quoting of medical advice in these materials.

Despite calls for a ban on industry-funded programs, the Department for Education in England has stated that universities are private institutions, and the government does not have the authority to review materials distributed to students. In Wales, universities were provided with a toolkit to assess student safety related to alcohol, but critics argue that it fails to adequately address the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Overall, there is a growing concern within the public health community about the influence of industry-funded alcohol education programs in schools and universities, with experts emphasizing the need for more comprehensive measures to address alcohol-related harm, including reducing affordability, availability, and marketing of alcohol.