Scientists writing for the journal said earlier this week that governments should outlaw the practice based on previous findings that alcohol-industry sponsorship of elite and community sport is associated with hazardous drinking among sport participants.
ESA Chairman Karen Earl said although the alcohol sector is an important source of sponsorship revenue, and the ESA is “highly mindful” of the way that alcohol sponsorship has become linked with problem drinking.
“The Association recognises that problem drinking is a serious social issue in Europe and elsewhere. While we have not seen any research to demonstrate even a causal link between alcohol sponsorship and high levels of drinking, we do believe that the sponsorship industry can be an important part of the solution. We have already seen members integrating responsible drinking messages into their sponsorship campaigns,” she said.
“The Addiction editorial appears to accept that sport would suffer significantly if alcohol sponsorship were withdrawn. ESA strongly agrees: a ban would be disastrous, particularly in the current economic climate. It would also be wholly unjustified, given there is no evidence of any link between alcohol sponsorship and problem drinking.”
The association’s 240 members include brands such as Visa, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Castrol. Drinks industry members account for three per cent of its membership.
