Spirits and Cocktails Australia
Battling misinformation in the global spirits world The World Spirits Alliance is advocating for spirits producers on a number of issues, including misconceptions about the industry, writes Greg Holland, CEO of Spirits and Cocktails Australia.
As I write this, the Olympic Games in Tokyo have just
encountered the problem of spirits being misconceived
drawn to a close, with the action of the Paralympic
or even deliberately misrepresented as ‘stronger’ and
Games about to kick off. It’s been inspirational to watch
more dangerous than other alcoholic beverages.
people competing at the very peak of their abilities, while
Sometimes competing alcohol producers encourage
also being united in the spirit of camaraderie and mutual
this view. But too many government officials and public
respect. The Olympics is proof that when competitors
health advocates also promote this misconception. For
come together in a spirit of collegiality, everyone can win. The same principle lies at the foundation of the World Spirits Alliance (WSA), an international trade association that provides a common forum for exchange between spirits producers and acts as a representative voice on issues of global relevance, particularly before organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). In July, I was elected to the WSA board as the Australasian and Oceania representative – an honour I am excited to embrace. The WSA is committed to advocating on a number of important issues, including the elimination of trade barriers; fair, transparent and evidence-based regulation of spirits; and appropriate excise tax structures. As Spirits and Cocktails Australia continues its joint campaign with the Australian Distillers
“It is so important to educate consumers about the concept of a ‘standard’ drink of alcohol, and what it looks like in particular beverages, as well as differing containers and glass sizes.” Greg Holland CEO Spirits and Cocktails Australia
example, some countries have a lower legal drinking age for beer or wine, while others prohibit spirits advertising but allow that advertising for beer and wine. The reality is, all alcohol (ethanol) is the same, and a ‘standard’ drink has the same amount of alcohol, with the same effects on the body, whether it is consumed as beer, wine or spirits. From a health perspective, what matters is how much alcohol is consumed, and the pattern of consumption. Any alcoholic beverage can be enjoyed safely; conversely, any beverage can become toxic in excess, which is more likely to happen if misinformation abounds. That’s why it is so important to educate consumers about the concept of a ‘standard’ drink of alcohol, and what it looks like in particular beverages, as well as differing containers and glass sizes. With this knowledge, for example, consumers can compare
Association for a fairer spirits tax in Australia, that
whether a glass of wine has more or less alcohol than
last objective is particularly close to my heart.
a serving of whisky or a can of beer.
The WSA is also passionate about ensuring
To drink safely, consumers must be equipped
that all public health measures targeting spirits be
with the facts. That’s why we urge all governments
proportionate and evidence-based. That would seem
to promote accurate information about standard
like a reasonable expectation of our lawmakers and
drink sizes and we will always support education
regulatory authorities. Unfortunately, regardless of
campaigns that encourage consumers to monitor their
their country of origin, most WSA members have
consumption and mitigate their risks.
38 | National Liquor News
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