Universities and schools urged to ban alcohol industry-backed health advice

They include an industry-backed ‘Freshers’ week survival guide’ for university students and a theatre-based educational programme in schools funded by Diageo, one of the world’s biggest alcoholic beverage companies, reports an investigation by The BMJ.

The call follows a successful campaign in Ireland that has led to educational programmes funded by the alcohol industry being removed from schools.

But in the UK, universities continue to welcome initiatives funded by Drinkaware - a charity funded by major alcohol producers and retailers, venues and restaurant groups - intended to educate students about “responsible” drinking skills.

In universities, for example, Drinkaware materials are distributed to students, including a free cup to measure alcohol units and a wheel with the number of units and calories in popular drinks, while a “freshers’ week survival guide,” advises students to eat carbohydrates or protein before going out and drink plenty of water.