Division in the Ranks: An Analysis of Alliances and Dissension in the Alcohol Industry and Advocacy Communities

Abstract

Neither the alcohol industry nor the advocacy community is a monolithic entity. Dominant industry players include beer, wine, and distilled spirits manufacturers, who compete for consumers. The public health advocacy community often competes for state and federal budget allocations against other health issues as well as among themselves. This paper describes the relationships within and between the alcohol industry and the advocacy worlds and explores underlying reasons for the divisiveness and cohesion that exist among the players. Findings are based on 64 in-depth qualitative interviews with key informants in these communities. The differing positions that players take on a variety of alcohol control policies stem from assumptions and historical events as well as from shifting priorities of the public and politicians. The industry is divided on global environmental policies like taxation and television advertising, while the public health community demonstrates fragmentation in its valuation of key targeted policies, such as responsible beverage service and underage drinking programs.