Has the government shown a certain complacency towards alcohol merchants? This is what addiction specialists deplore. Two prevention campaigns on the dangers of alcohol have in fact been, according to Radio France, challenged by the Ministry of Health. Originally, the Directorate General of Health had requested, in November 2022, Public health France to work on an “alcohol and rugby” campaign, with a view to the World Cup starting in early September 2023.
This campaign, with the slogan “don’t let alcohol knock you out” was rejected, according to the investigation unit. Another campaign, with the slogan “when we drink, our health takes a hit”, was also shelved, said The chained Duck mid-July. The two campaigns had been, according to Radio France, presented to François Braun, then Minister of Health, François Braun, and his cabinet.
“It was decided to prioritize the young target”
“The two campaigns were not validated, in the end, because the creative proposal was not suitable. Regarding rugby, the World Cup is an opportunity to talk about sport and physical activity positively, rather than transmitting a message that is more of a cliché about the “third half”,” declared Monday a source close to the file at AFP. The radio invokes the repercussion, from the cabinet of Emmanuel Macron to that of François Braun, of grievances from the alcohol sector on a campaign broadcast during the end of year celebrations. Vin et Société, an organization defending the interests of viticulture mentioned by Radio France, did not wish to comment to AFP.
“In the context of a significant number of campaigns carried out by the State and its operators, including SPF, in the second half of 2023, it was decided to review the priorities on the alcohol theme and to prioritize the young target” confirmed the ministry to AFP. A campaign targeting young people will be launched at the end of September. In the coming weeks, “the SPF “Alcool Info service” site will be strengthened in order to improve guidance and personalized help for users,” added the ministry, insisting on “a strong commitment to the fight against addictions “.
Targeted campaigns don’t “disturb”
For the association Addictions France“prevention campaigns aimed at young people or pregnant women do not bother alcoholics because they are targeted”, unlike campaigns targeting the general population, Myriam Savy, director of advocacy, told Radio France.
Since his arrival at the Elysée, Emmanuel Macron has been accused several times of complacency towards the alcohol sector, in particular by actors in the fight against addictions.