Diageo blasts health preachers

Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh has blasted the health advocates who he claims are actively seeking to exclude the alcohol industry from efforts to reduce the level of harmful drinking in the UK.

Speaking at the launch of the book Working Together to Reduce Harmful Drinking, Walsh claimed there are some in the medical fraternity who believe alcohol companies are simply part of the cause of the problem rather than the solution.

 

He said: “There is of course a small but vocal minority of public health advocates who will not welcome this book, and indeed question the right of the alcohol industry to have a say in the formulation of strategies to reduce harmful drinking.

“They are actively lobbying for our input to be excluded, or at least regarded as of lesser value because we have a commercial interest in the issue under scrutiny.”

Expanding on his point, Walsh later told the drinks business: “It puts us in a bit of a tough position. Of course we are strong advocates of responsible drinking, it’s the mantra of the company.

“We, along with other alcohol companies, will continue to help with efforts to curb problem drinking, but to label us as the cause rather than part of the solution is disrespectful and unfair.

“However, we can’t get into a war of words with the medical profession because that might give them more reason to want to exclude the industry, so we have to be diplomatic and continue trying to do what’s best.”

Alan Lodge, 02.12.2009