Industry champions moderate drinking as health advocates push for tighter rules
The spirits lobby has uncorked a fresh defence of moderate drinking as the trend towards sobriety gathers pace.
“We can consume alcohol in a responsible way,” Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said in a video message on Tuesday. He was one of many high-level speakers who accepted an invitation from Spirits Europe, one of Brussels’ most influential alcohol lobbies.
The stance of the Greek health minister exemplifies what the alcohol industry calls a “balanced”, “conscious” or “moderate” approach to drinking. It was something of a mantra at the industry meeting dubbed “Spirit of Life Week”, held a stone’s throw from the European Parliament.
Promoting responsible drinking has become the industry’s countermeasure at a time when alcohol’s health risks are facing growing scrutiny.
