Jon-Patrick Allem and Emilio Ferrera 2018 in: American Journal of Public Health, August 2018, Vol 108, No 8 (1005-1006). Social bots are automated accounts that use artificial intelligence to steer discussions and promote specific ideas or products on social media such as Twitter and Facebook. … Although it is now known that social bots have Read More →

Beer promotion An investigation by Heineken itself shows that promotional girls are indeed being harassed. Their deployment has been put on hold in Mozambique. Olivier van Beemen, 5 July 2018 Promotional girls for Heineken in Africa are being intimidated on a large scale during their work, and they endure poor working conditions. This has become Read More →

Today Alcohol Concern (UK) published a report about the Portman Group, the industry-funded regulator of alcohol marketing. It highlights inconsistent decision-making, lack of scrutiny and an apparent failure to address how modern alcohol marketing works. The report, ‘Fit for Purpose? An analysis of the role of the Portman Group in alcohol industry self-regulation’, looks at Read More →

The new charity, formed by the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK, said the Portman Group’s role was not clear. Last updated: 6 July 2018 – 12.10am A charity has called for a Government review of how alcohol marketing is regulated, claiming the current watchdog is inconsistent and operates without scrutiny. The new charity, Read More →

South Africa / 28 June 2018, 08:30am / Marvin Charles Picture: Ian Landsberg. The debate surrounding the banning of alcohol advertising sponsorships in sport is raging on, and advocacy group the Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) held discussions on Wednesday to explore alternative funding options. “Alcohol is no ordinary commodity – it plays a role in interpersonal violence, Read More →

Article by Melissa Mialon and Jim McCambridge, department of Health Sciences, University of York. Title: Alcohol industry corporate social responsibility initiatives and harmful drinking – a systematic review; Background: There is growing awareness of the detrimental effects of alcohol industry commercial activities, and concern about possible adverse impacts of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Read More →

By Joey Knight Published: June 15, 2018 TAMPA (Florida) — It was a collegiate celebration befitting a major facility ground-breaking, or a seven-figure donation, or the attainment of an academic benchmark. Hors d’oeuvres were served; boosters and broad smiles abounded. “This is a historic day for the University of South Florida, and for our community,” Read More →