WHO recommendations in May 2005 and the response of JSLMA
In May 2005, the WHO adopted a resolution to address "public health problems resulting from the harmful use of alcohol," urging WHO member states to take action to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and to report the results to the General Assembly in May 2007.
In response to this recommendation, JSLMA has undertaken the following measures to address the WHO:
In response to this recommendation, JSLMA has undertaken the following measures to address the WHO:
Participation in and collaboration with global organizations on WHO response
1. Participation in GAP-G (Global Alcohol Producers - Group)
To address WHO recommendations on a global level, the global alcoholic beverage industry has united to form "GAP," an organization based on the principle of industry self-regulation. Major manufacturers' associations in Europe and the United States have invited participation, and from Japan, JSLMA and the Brewers Association of Japan have joined.
GAP-G is actively working to summarize the industry's position on the WHO's alcohol resolution and to increase understanding among WHO member states, and is expected to indicate the direction of future WHO countermeasures on a global level.
GAP-G is actively working to summarize the industry's position on the WHO's alcohol resolution and to increase understanding among WHO member states, and is expected to indicate the direction of future WHO countermeasures on a global level.
2. Co-sponsorship of the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Self-Regulation (held June 19-20, 2006)
This workshop was a collaborative effort between the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP), an international think tank on alcohol policy, Brewers Association of Japan , and JSLMA.
The meeting began with greetings from JSLMA's Chairman, Mr. Saji, followed by an exchange of information, including presentations on case studies from various countries regarding self-regulation of advertising. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to appeal to the WHO about the effectiveness of industry self-regulation.
Notably, officials from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the National Tax Agency participated as panelists, discussing their respective areas of responsibility for addressing alcohol-related issues. This demonstrates the high level of interest the workshop attracted not only from the industry but also from relevant government agencies, the medical community, and the mass media.
On the final day, the workshop successfully concluded with the adoption of the [Tokyo Declaration], which states that responsible advertising and sales of alcoholic beverages are a priority for the entire alcoholic beverage industry and that this should be achieved through industry self-regulation.
The meeting began with greetings from JSLMA's Chairman, Mr. Saji, followed by an exchange of information, including presentations on case studies from various countries regarding self-regulation of advertising. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to appeal to the WHO about the effectiveness of industry self-regulation.
Notably, officials from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the National Tax Agency participated as panelists, discussing their respective areas of responsibility for addressing alcohol-related issues. This demonstrates the high level of interest the workshop attracted not only from the industry but also from relevant government agencies, the medical community, and the mass media.
On the final day, the workshop successfully concluded with the adoption of the [Tokyo Declaration], which states that responsible advertising and sales of alcoholic beverages are a priority for the entire alcoholic beverage industry and that this should be achieved through industry self-regulation.
WHO General Assembly, May 2007
At the WHO General Assembly in May 2007, a joint proposal was submitted by 42 countries, primarily Sweden. The proposal called for addressing the alcohol problem through some form of regulation, such as legal restrictions.
In response, Japan and other Western countries countered that voluntary regulation was the most swift and effective solution.
The discussions became contentious and continued until the final day of the General Assembly, but no agreement was reached. Ultimately, the issue was postponed until the General Assembly in May 2008.
In response, Japan and other Western countries countered that voluntary regulation was the most swift and effective solution.
The discussions became contentious and continued until the final day of the General Assembly, but no agreement was reached. Ultimately, the issue was postponed until the General Assembly in May 2008.
WHO recommendations from May 2008 and future responses, etc.
The WHO adopted a "Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol" at its 61st General Assembly in May 2008. This resolution agrees on the basic principles for finalizing the WHO's alcohol problem reduction strategy at its 63rd General Assembly in 2010.
The resolution stipulates that measures to reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse should be developed based on evidence, taking into account the social, religious, and economic circumstances of each member state, and that the alcoholic beverage industry should be consulted in this process.
Going forward, the focus will be on reaching agreements in each WHO region (Japan is in the Western Pacific region) and developing country-specific alcohol problem reduction measures based on those agreements.
While our association will naturally continue to address the alcohol problem following this decision, our immediate actions are as follows:
1. Continued participation in GAP-G
We expect GAP-G to actively develop activities to increase understanding among WHO regional boards, executive boards, and major countries, and we will continue our participation in GAP-G, bearing the necessary expenses associated with this.
2. We will conduct timely and appropriate reviews of the voluntary standards for advertising and promotion established by the entire alcoholic beverage industry.
3. Regarding the issue of underage drinking, we will promote voluntary standards for labeling of so-called canned chu-hi (a type of alcoholic beverage).
4. We will continue our existing efforts to eliminate drunk driving and to provide warning labels for pregnant women.
The resolution stipulates that measures to reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse should be developed based on evidence, taking into account the social, religious, and economic circumstances of each member state, and that the alcoholic beverage industry should be consulted in this process.
Going forward, the focus will be on reaching agreements in each WHO region (Japan is in the Western Pacific region) and developing country-specific alcohol problem reduction measures based on those agreements.
While our association will naturally continue to address the alcohol problem following this decision, our immediate actions are as follows:
1. Continued participation in GAP-G
We expect GAP-G to actively develop activities to increase understanding among WHO regional boards, executive boards, and major countries, and we will continue our participation in GAP-G, bearing the necessary expenses associated with this.
2. We will conduct timely and appropriate reviews of the voluntary standards for advertising and promotion established by the entire alcoholic beverage industry.
3. Regarding the issue of underage drinking, we will promote voluntary standards for labeling of so-called canned chu-hi (a type of alcoholic beverage).
4. We will continue our existing efforts to eliminate drunk driving and to provide warning labels for pregnant women.
WHO response in 2009
1. Participation in and collaboration with GAP-G
JSLMA has consistently believed that reducing alcohol-related problems is most effectively achieved through industry self-regulation tailored to the specific circumstances of each country. Therefore, together with the Brewers Association of Japan, they have strived to reflect industry opinions to the WHO Secretariat through GAP-G.
This year, they again participated in GAP-G and contributed 10.69 million yen to its activities.
This year, they again participated in GAP-G and contributed 10.69 million yen to its activities.
2. Participation in international CSR activities
GAP-G member companies have agreed to take the lead in developing CSR activities as alcoholic beverage companies in key countries around the world. They have decided to support activities in selected target countries focusing on three themes: measures against drunk driving, self-regulation of alcohol marketing activities, and measures against illegal alcohol (moon-brewing).
To participate in specific programs starting in 2010, approximately 5 million yen has been budgeted.
To participate in specific programs starting in 2010, approximately 5 million yen has been budgeted.
3. Responding to the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol
In May 2010, the WHO aimed to adopt a resolution on "Strategies to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol" at its 63rd General Assembly. Based on discussions at various WHO locations, the final draft of the strategy was published in December 2009. This draft was submitted to the WHO Executive Board in January 2010. GAP-G reviewed the draft's contents and collaborated to submit opinions and proposed improvements to relevant government ministries in each country.
Domestically, in cooperation with other alcoholic beverage industry organizations, we have worked to improve the effectiveness of industry self-regulation by revising voluntary standards regarding advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages.
Domestically, in cooperation with other alcoholic beverage industry organizations, we have worked to improve the effectiveness of industry self-regulation by revising voluntary standards regarding advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages.
In May 2010, WHO adopted "Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol."
This strategy categorizes alcohol-related issues into 10 areas and provides guidelines for each area, including explanations, policies, and measures.
It also states that addressing these alcohol-related issues requires ① full consideration of each member state's religious and cultural background, public health priorities, resources, capacity, and receptiveness to problem-solving, and ② that policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol are difficult to implement solely through healthcare institutions, and mutual cooperation among various organizations and institutions is crucial. It emphasizes the indispensable involvement of the alcohol-related industry.
JSLMA will continue to work in accordance with the guidelines of this newly adopted global strategy to reduce the "harmful" use of alcohol through various measures, including continued participation in the GAP-G Group, international CSR activities, review of voluntary standards for advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages, measures to prevent underage drinking, and the elimination of drunk driving.
It also states that addressing these alcohol-related issues requires ① full consideration of each member state's religious and cultural background, public health priorities, resources, capacity, and receptiveness to problem-solving, and ② that policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol are difficult to implement solely through healthcare institutions, and mutual cooperation among various organizations and institutions is crucial. It emphasizes the indispensable involvement of the alcohol-related industry.
JSLMA will continue to work in accordance with the guidelines of this newly adopted global strategy to reduce the "harmful" use of alcohol through various measures, including continued participation in the GAP-G Group, international CSR activities, review of voluntary standards for advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages, measures to prevent underage drinking, and the elimination of drunk driving.