House of Commons - Health Committee

Alcohol - Health Committee Contents

Supplementary memorandum by the Department of Health (AL 01C)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MEETINGS WITH THE "ALCOHOL INDUSTRY"

DH meets with representatives of the alcohol industry (usually alcohol producers, on- and off-licensed retailers, and trade associations) as part of its delivery of the DH Alcohol Strategy to discuss:

— Industry responsibilities to avoid selling or promoting alcohol in ways that cause harm to consumers.

— Areas where Industry can and must contribute to consumer education and behaviour change within the commercial environment.

— How the major producers, retailers and trade associations can work together to contribute to the achievement of Government objectives.

— The industry's effective engagement as one of the relevant DH stakeholders, alongside the NHS, academic institutions and individuals, voluntary organisations, agencies and other interested organisations.

Listed as follows, by subject matter and by date, are details of meetings between DH ministers or officials, and industry representatives. Consistent with Freedom of Information (FoI) policy only the names of Senior Civil Servants have been included. A glossary of abbreviations is attached at Annex A.

Additionally, ministers and officials will have met with retailers such as Sainsbury's and Tesco to discuss numerous non-alcohol related issues, but which may have touched upon alcohol policy in passing. These meetings have not been noted here.

"PROJECT 10"/CAMPAIGN FOR SMARTER DRINKING

The Campaign for Smarter Drinking, known previously as "Project 10" launched in September 2009. The Campaign was co-ordinated by:

— Richard Evans (Chair, Campaign for Smarter Drinking).

— Elizabeth Crossick (Director of Government Relations and Social Responsibility Europe, Brown-Forman).

Richard and Elizabeth briefed DH officials on levels of industry participation and the expected scope and content of the Campaign. These meetings usually included representatives of the Drinkaware Trust, to discuss Drinkaware participation and funding. Other industry delegates are noted:

22 January 2009 also with Philip Almond (Global Brand Director, Baileys Brand, Diageo) & Jeremy Beadles (Chief Executive, WSTA)

18 March 2009

3 April 2009

20 April 2009

23 April 2009

28 April 2009

12 June 2009 also with Shane Brennan (Public Affairs Director, ACS), David Long (Chief Executive, BBPA), Nick Bish (Chief Executive, ALMR), Paul Smith (Executive Director, Noctis) and Jeremy Beadles (WSTA).

17 June 2009

23 June 2009

The Campaign was launched on 8 September 2009. Dr Will Cavendish (Director of Health and Wellbeing, DH) attended the launch.

DRINKAWARE TRUST STEERING GROUP MEETINGS

Department of Health officials chair meetings of the Drinkaware Steering Group, which consists of representatives from Drinkaware and trade associations. Membership of the Group is at Annex B.

The Group convened on the following dates to agree appropriate levels of funding for Drinkaware, and the commitment expected from each of the major alcohol producers and retailers:

22 July 2009

19 August 2009

2 September 2009

15 September 2009

30 September 2009

14 October 2009

28 October 2009

10 November 2009

On 11 November 2009, the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, and the Minister of State for Public Health, Gillian Merron, hosted a summit to encourage industry to commit funding to the Drinkaware Trust. A list of the companies that attended is at Annex B.

ALCOHOL LABELLING

The Government reached a voluntary agreement with the alcohol industry in May 2007, to introduce labels including unit and health information, including guidelines for consumption and advice on alcohol and pregnancy. Meetings between Department of Health officials and "alcohol industry" representatives to discuss evaluation of the agreement took place on:

12 March 2009 with Jeremy Beadles (WSTA), Edwin Atkinson (Director General, GVA), Andy Tighe (Senior Policy Adviser, BBPA), Bob Price (Policy Adviser, NACM), David Poley (Chief Executive, Portman Group)

31 July 2009 with David Poley (Portman Group), David Long (BBPA), Andy Tighe (BBPA), Andrew Opie (Director of Food and Consumer Policy, BRC), Bob Price (NACM), Edwin Atkinson (GVA), Campbell Evans (Director of Government Affairs, SWA) and Jeremy Beadles (WSTA).

MANDATORY CODE FOR ALCOHOL RETAILERS

The Home Office co-ordinated meetings with alcohol stakeholders to discuss proposals included in the consultation on the Mandatory Code for Alcohol Retailers (published 13 May 2009). A list of "alcohol industry" representatives invited to these events is included at Annex C. DH officials were present at the following meetings:

29 January 2009

2 February 2009

12 February 2009

17 June 2009

18 June 2009

23 June 2009

As part of the consultation process, the Home Office ran regional engagement events, including members of the licensed trade, licensing authorities, the police, health and other enforcement stakeholders. DH officials were presents at the following meetings:

7 July 2009 in Newcastle

9 July 2009 in Hull

14 July 2009 in Liverpool

16 July 2009 in Nottingham

21 July 2009 in Birmingham

23 July 2009 in Wisbech

28 July 2009 in Portsmouth

30 July 2009 in Cardiff

4 August 2009 in Weymouth

6 August 2009 in London

DH officials met with the WSTA to discuss the mandatory code on 29 July 2009.

ALCOHOL STRATEGY GROUP

Originally called the Alcohol Strategy Delivery Group, the Alcohol Strategy Group (ASG) oversees the implementation of the Government's alcohol strategy. It includes representatives from the Police, the NHS and Health NGOs. Bruce Ray (Bacardi Brown Foreman) and Grant Eastwood (Morrisons) were invited from the alcohol industry to ASDG meetings on the following dates:

1 January 2009, also with Rob Hayward (Chief Executive, BBPA),

23 March 2009

15 July 2009

14 October 2009

GENERAL INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

November 2008

11 November 2008, DH official met with the Tourism Alliance, which included Kurt Jansen (Policy Advisor) and Mevin Cooper to discuss alcohol related issues.

26 November 2008, Dr Will Cavendish and other DH officials met with Alan Butler (Public Affairs Manager, Diageo) to discuss a meeting between Diageo and the Secretary of State for Health (listed below on 2 Dec 2008).

December 2008

2 December 2008, the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, met with Paul Walsh (CEO), Benet Slay (MD) & Alan Butler of Diageo to discuss various alcohol issues.

3 December 2008, Dr Will Cavendish and another DH official attended a Portman Group Council meeting. Members of the Portman Group Council are at Annex D. Richard Evans was also present.

5 December 2008, Dr Will Cavendish and another DH official met with Fenella Tyler (Chairman, NACM) and Bob Price (NACM) to be briefed about the UK Cider Industry.

January 2009

20 January 2009, Will Cavendish (DH) met with Alan Butler (Diageo) and Kate Blakeley (Head of Social Responsibility Diageo) to discuss various alcohol issues.

29 January 2009, Dr Will Cavendish and another DH official attended a breakfast debate, "Does the media make you reach for the bottle?" which was jointly organised by Editorial Intelligence and The Portman Group.

February 2009

11 February 2009, DH official met with Kieran Simpson (Director of Corporate Communications, Scottish & Newcastle) and Charlotte Elmer (Public Affairs Manager, Scottish & Newcastle) to discuss binge drinking.

16 February 2009, Dr Will Cavendish and another DH official met with Bernard Hughes (Head of Government & Public Affairs, Asda) and Paul Kelly (Corporate Affairs Director, Asda) to discuss various health issues, including alcohol.

March 2009

6 March 2009, Dr Will Cavendish and another DH official met with Alan Butler (Diageo) and Vicki Nobles (Corporate Relations Director, Diageo) to discuss various alcohol issues.

9 March 2009, DH official attending a meeting to discuss alcohol regulation.

April 2009

1 April 2009, DH officials attended a meeting held by the Scotch Whisky Association to hear their views on the WHO Global Alcohol Strategy.

8 April 2009, DH official met with representatives from SAB-Miller to discuss various alcohol issues.

May 2009

28 May 2009, DH official met with Vicki Nobles (Diageo) and David Poley (Portman Group) to discuss various alcohol issues.

June 2009

2 June 2009, DH officials attended a meeting of WSTA'S Public Affairs Directors.

23 June 2009, DH official met with Shane Brennan (ACS) to discuss the proposed mandatory code for alcohol retailers.

July 2009

July 2009, Introductory meeting between Chris Heffer (Deputy Director—Alcohol & Drugs, DH) and Jeremy Beadles (WSTA).

29 July 2009, DH officials attended a meeting of WSTA's Public Affairs Directors.

August 2009

26 August 2009, DH official met with representatives from the 'alcohol industry' to discuss various alcohol issues.

27 August 2009, DH official met with representatives from Tesco to discuss various alcohol issues.

September 2009

16 September 2009, Chris Heffer (DH) attended a WSTA conference.

17 September 2009, DH official met with Campbell Evans (SWA) to discuss the WHO Global Alcohol Strategy.

21 September 2009, DH official met with the Portman Group to discuss various alcohol issues.

25 September 2009, DH official had a catch-up meeting with representatives from SAB-Miller to discuss recent developments in alcohol policy and related activities undertaken by SAB-Miller.

October 2009

7 October 2009, Chris Heffer and another DH official met with Alan Butler (Diageo) and Vicki Nobles (Diageo). This was an introductory meeting between Chris and Alan to discuss all relevant alcohol issues.

7 October 2009, Chris Heffer and another DH official met with Mark Hunter (CEO, Molson Coors Brewing Co) to discuss responsible drinking/social reference pricing.

22 October 2009, DH officials attended an Alcohol Strategy Corporate Social Responsibility Group meeting. Also attending from the "alcohol industry" were Alison Gardiner (Public Affairs, BRC), Rob Hayward (BBPA), Jeremy Beadles (WSTA) and David Poley (Portman Group).

27 October 2009, DH official met with Campbell Evans (SWA) to discuss the WHO Global Alcohol Strategy and the EU Council of Ministers draft Conclusions on alcohol policy.

November 2009

23 November 2009, Chris Heffer (DH) met with Brigit Simmons (Chief Executive, BBPA)

27 November 2009, Chris Heffer and another DH official met with Heineken UK representatives to discuss their social responsibility initiatives.

December 2009

2 December—Minister of State for Public Health, Gillian Merron, met with the British Retail Consortium to discuss a range of issues, including how BRC members could better inform consumers around alcohol.

Annex A

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

DH = Department of Health

WSTA = Wine and Spirits Trade Association

ACS = Association of Convenience Stores

BBPA = British Beer and Pub Association

ALMR = Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers

GVA = Gin and Vodka Association

NACM = National Association of Cider Makers

BRC = British Retail Consortium

SWA = Scotch Whisky Association

Annex B

INVITEES TO DRINKAWARE TRUST MEETINGS

STEERING GROUP

Richard Evans (Chair, Project 10)

Jeremy Beadles (WSTA)

Elizabeth Crossick (WSTA)

Bruce Ray (Bacardi)

Dan Jago (Tesco)

Vicki Nobles (Diageo)

Philip Almond (Diageo)

Paul Hegarty (Coors)

Kay Wheelton (Co-op)

Francesca Woodhouse (Co-op)

Chris Edger (Mitchells & Butlers)

Alastair Scott (Mitchells & Butlers)

Erik Castenskiold (Mitchells & Butlers)

Fyl Newington (First Quench)

Sue Clark (SAB Miller)

Mike Short (SAB Miller)

Grant Eastwood (Morrisons)

Simon Harrison (Morrisons)

Richard Cochrane (Bibendum)

Brigid Simmonds (BBPA)

David Poley (Portman Group)

Andrew Opie (BRC)

Rob Phipps (BRC)

Derek Lewis (Chair, Drinkaware Trust)

Chris Sorek (Chief Executive, Drinkaware Trust)

Chris Heffer (DH)

Ian Whitehouse (DCSF)

Gaynor Denny (Welsh Assembly Government)

Donna Mackinnon (Scottish Government)

DRINKAWARE SUMMIT

Jean-Manuel Spriet (Pernod Ricard)

Vicki Nobles (Diageo)

Mark Baird (Diageo)

John Armstrong (Global Brands)

Bob Price (NACM)

Stephen Oliver (Marston's)

Louise Foxwell (GVA)

Douglas Meikle (SWA)

Bruce Ray (Bacardi Brown-Forman)

Sue Allen (Daniel Thwaites)

Richard Taylor (Morrisons)

Nigel Bunting (Shepherd Neame)

Iain Newell (Gallo Europe)

Nigel Emms (Universal Brand)

Ashley Dean (Universal Brand)

Andrew Opie (British Retail Consortium)

David Poley (The Portman Group)

Paul Kelly (Asda)

Finn O'Driscoll (Beverage Brands)

Paul Hegarty (Molson Coors)

David Long (BBPA)

Deborah McCallum (JD Wetherspoon)

Richard Cochrane (Bibendum Wine)

Francesca Woodhouse (The Co-operative Group)

Deepak Malhotra (Constellation)

Kieran Simpson (Heineken UK)

Alastair Scott (Mitchells and Butlers)

Gareth Roberts (Carlsberg)

John Walter (Beam)

Shane Brennan (ACS)

Gilly Mackwood (Moet Hennessy)

Mike Kelly (InBev)

Chris Mason (First Drink Brands (subsidiary of William Grant))

Alex Rimmer (Nisa Today's)

Antonia Norman (Marks & Spencer)

Jeremy Beadles (WSTA)

Elaine McCrimmon (SABMiller)

Elizabeth Crossick (Campaign for Smarter Drinking)

Richard Evans (Campaign for Smarter Drinking)

Nick Grant (Sainsbury)

Mike Kelly (InBev)

Ian Whitehouse (DCSF)

Andrew Cunningham (DCMS)

Rob Phipps (NI Assembly)

Andrew Burr (DfT)

Annex C

"ALCOHOL INDUSTRY" REPRESENTATIVES INVITED TO THE NATIONAL MANDATORY CODE CONSULTATION MEETINGS

ON -TRADE:

Dr Martin Rawlings BBPA

Rita King BBPA

Adam Fowle Mitchells & Butler

David Elliott Greene King

Derek Andrew Marstons

Gerry Carroll Enterprise Inns

Lynne D'arcy Admiral Taverns

Peter Furness-Smith McMullen & Sons

Philip Lay S A Brain & Co

Ralph Findlay Marstons

Roger Whiteside Punch Taverns

Simon Emeny Fullers Inns

Simon Kaye Regent Inns

Stephen Gould Everards Brewery

Willie Crawshay Scottish & Newcastle

Jonathan Neame Shepherd Neame

Nick Bish ALMR

Kurt Jansonn CBI

Brigid Simmonds BBPA

OFF-TRADE:

Jeremy Beadles WSTA

Shane Brennan ACS

Andrew Opie BRC

Alison Gardiner BRC

Campbell Evans SWA

Guy Mason ASDA

Bruce Ray Bacardi

John Walter Fortune Brands

Claire Fowler Beverage-brands

Elizabeth Crossick B-F

Rick Connor Chivas

Deepak Malhotra CBrands

Francesca Woodhouse Co-operative

Rachel Robertson Diageo

Simon Mcmurtrie Directwines

George Marsden EJ Gallo

Fyl Newington Firstquench

Anna Calver Emea Fostersgroup

Antonia Norman Marks-and-Spencer

James Clark Sainsbury's

Eric price Somerfield

Emma Reynolds Tesco

Giles Fisher Waitrose

Kate Rowley Waitrose

Charlotte Elmer S-B

Vicky Williams BBR

James Lowman ACS

Chris Lewis Spar

Jonathon Bayne Musgrave

Matthew Hughes Bargain Booze

M Beher Aldi

HOSPITALITY SECTOR:

Kurt Janson Tourism Alliance

Sue Towler Institute of Licensing

Liz Cleverly Community Matters

Paul Davies Civic Trust

MEETINGS WITH WSTA'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORS: 02/06/2009 & 29/07/2009

John Walter Beam Global

Amy Hefford WSTA

Sarah Davis WSTA

Jeremy Beadles WSTA

Jacqui Jackson Spar

Stephen Hogg WSTA

Philip Malpas Constellation

David Ward Tesco

Greg Wilkins Brand Phoenix

Clare Fowler Beverage Brands

Francesca Woodhouse Co-Op

Bruce Ray Bacardi

Alison Gardiner BRC

Rachael Robertson Diageo

Martin Campion Direct Wines

Anna Calver Foster's

Anna Brown Sainsbury's

Richard Taylor Morrison's

Guy Mason Asda

Rick Connor Pernod Ricard