Including the alcohol industry in decision-making on alcohol regulation and policy can prioritize industry profits over public health. Commercial actors, funded by harmful commodity producers, shape policies to benefit themselves, presenting as health experts. The World Health Organization recommends excluding alcohol producers from policy considerations. In the UK, the alcohol industry actively influences policy discussions, diverting focus from effective prevention strategies. During a parliamentary session on alcohol harm prevention, industry-funded organizations dominated the discussion, promoting ineffective public information campaigns while neglecting evidence-based policies like alcohol taxation and minimum unit pricing. This industry influence hinders progress in addressing alcohol-related harm and requires a new strategy prioritizing public health over industry interests.
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Commercially driven efforts to frame alcohol harms have no place in UK health policy development
