Alcohol sports sponsorship linked to risky drinking
A study released today finds an association between alcohol sponsorship of sport and risky drinking amongst schoolchildren and adult athletes. Published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, this systematic review combines evidence from the UK and other countries on the impact of exposure to alcohol sports sponsorship on drinking behaviours.
Seven studies were included in the review that presents findings from 12,760 people in high-income countries including the UK, Australia and New Zealand. All the studies indicate that exposure to alcohol sports sponsorship is associated with increased levels of alcohol consumption and risky drinking amongst schoolchildren and sportspeople.
Two of the studies were conducted in the UK. Their findings were:
- Amongst Welsh schoolchildren in Year 10 (age 14-15), awareness of alcohol sports sponsorship was linked to a 17% higher chance of boys, and 13% higher chance of girls, getting drunk at the weekend. When the same schoolchildren had both positive attitudes towards alcohol and awareness of alcohol sports sponsorship, the chances of getting drunk at the weekend were 26% higher for boys and 27% higher for girls.
- Amongst UK university sportspeople, those receiving alcohol industry sponsorship were four times more likely to report hazardous drinking than non-sponsored sportspeople.
The report also includes a study of schoolchildren aged 13-14 from four EU countries which found exposure to alcohol sports sponsorship through viewing a major football tournament was linked to 70% increased chance of underage drinking.
The report’s author, Katherine Brown, is Director of the Institute of Alcohol Studies. She said:
“It is of great concern to see that sport, which should be viewed as a healthy, family friendly activity, is potentially putting our children and athletes at risk due to sponsorship deals with alcohol companies.”
“There is strong evidence that exposure to alcohol marketing leads young people to drink at an earlier age and to drink more if they already do so. This is why the OECD and World Health Organisation have called on governments to investigate the introduction of alcohol advertising bans.”
“Major alcohol brands are prominent in almost every high profile sporting event today, exposing millions of children to advertising and building positive associations that could be damaging in the long term.”
Tom Smith, Head of Policy at Alcohol Concern, said:
“Alcohol sports sponsorship creates a positive association between drinking and sports, that cannot be unlearnt. Millions of children in the UK consume these positive drinking messages whilst innocently following their favourite teams and tournaments."
"It’s great to see the Scottish women’s football team have recently made a stand against alcohol advertising to ensure young girls aren’t exposed to, or endorsing alcohol brands via their kit."
"Sport should be an opportunity to motivate healthy positive behaviours amongst younger generations, not more drinking”.
Notes to Editors
To view the open access report click here: http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/alcalc/early/2016/02/23/alcalc.agw006.full.pdf?ijkey=3Z5ZKqP0auSmEj1&keytype=ref
For more information, please contact Nils Garnes, IAS Policy Officer: ngarnes@ias.org.uk 020 7222 4001
Association Between Alcohol Sports Sponsorship and Consumption: A Systematic Review, by Katherine Brown, was published as an advance access article in Alcohol and Alcoholism on 23 February 2016. Funding to pay for Open Access charges was provided by The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).
About the Institute of Alcohol Studies
The core aim of the Institute is to serve the public interest on public policy issues linked to alcohol, by advocating for the use of scientific evidence in policy-making to reduce alcohol-related harm. The IAS is a company limited by guarantee, No 05661538 and registered charity, No 1112671. For more information visit www.ias.org.uk
Nils Garnes
Policy Officer (EU & UK)
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alliance House
12 Caxton Street
London
SW1H 0QS
Tel: +44 (0)207 222 4001/5880
Fax: +44 (0)207 799 2510
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