ALAC: Alcohol sponsorship 'not helping' drinking culture

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Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:42p.m.

Zac Guildford is under fire over his out-of-control drinking

Zac Guildford is under fire over his out-of-control drinking

By Laura Frykberg

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has hinted if All Black Zac Guildford’s drunken behaviour continues he could lost his contract.

Guildford has apologised again today, vowing to give up drinking for good.

But, some experts say the real problem isn’t just one All Black – it’s alcohol sponsorship in sport and our binge drinking culture.

They say the incident itself is a consequence of a much wider problem; binge drinking among young men.

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) says sponsorship on the field doesn’t help.

“The more exposure young people have to alcohol messages with alcohol sponsorship and advertising, they will start to drink at a younger age and if they’re already drinking they’ll drink more,” says ALAC spokesman Gerard Vaughan.

Wellington’s Oriental Rongotai Football Club relies on alcohol sponsorship. Its manager Dave Mecleam says without it, greats like Ma’a Nonu – who started at the club – wouldn’t have had the same opportunities.

“Without it we can’t exist and we can’t run community-based programmes, we can’t provide a haven for the community and an opportunity for our young kids to experience sport.”

It’s a sport Guildford hopes he’ll be allowed to continue to make a career of.

But he will soon face a disciplinary hearing, which could result in suspension, a fine, or community work.

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Comments

15 Dec 2011 02:52p.m.

Steve Russell wrote:

Alex: the price of alcohol sponsorship should be paid by the nation, not by its children. Those that think otherwise have a moral dilemma. One of the ten things the alcohol industry doesn't want you to know is that ethanol aka alcohol is a group one carcinogen,that means not probably or possibly but undeniably a carcinogen. There is a clear correlation between the amount consumed and the risks*. I would make the point that low risk drinking or low consumption is simply low risk not zero as you are trying to intimate. Just as with tobacco higher consumption increases the risk of cancer and other harm. You will probably say that you will accept the risk just as we all do when we drive on the road. One day people will be DNA tested and be able to quantify their own risk of cancer. Until then we should minimise our consumption and be aware just as we insure our cars are safe when we drive but accept there is still a risk. The myths* that the industry want hidden can be found at alcohol action. www.alcoholaction.co.nz (see resources ten things slide show.) Alcohol is introduced to our young rugby players like Zac as soon as they enter the club system. It is an integral part of their bonding sessions as I know from experience. Zac will need all the courage and support to avoid alcohol after every game let alone the temptation in night clubs.

19 Nov 2011 02:56p.m.

AnthonyW wrote:

I do not believe that the drinking culture in this country is to do with advertising or any glorifying of alcohol, but rather a passed down from generation to generation attitude toward drinking.

18 Nov 2011 07:13a.m.

Alex wrote:

Maybe Alison, but the biggest difference between tobacco and alcohol is that light or moderate use of alcohol is not harmful to ones health, whereas any use of tobacco is harmful. If we disallowed sponsorship by alcohol companies that the clubs rely on funds - it will put and end to many grass roots sports clubs as not everyone will be able to obtain sponsorship elsewhere.

17 Nov 2011 05:07p.m.

alison wrote:

I cant believe alcohol sponsorship is still allowed in this country. Get rid of it. We had this whinging when we got rid of cigarette advertising and clubs survived. Theres more than one company that can afford to sponsor our sports and yes whats wrong with investigating other ways of financial support? Drinking kills in a lot of ways is a massive drain on the hospital budgets, police resources and almost everyone knows someone killed by a drunk. Not a good enough excuse?

17 Nov 2011 12:34p.m.

nachos wrote:

Let him get some help hey even the good guys fall and the thing is there is help out there for him. We all have our good points and not so good points but that is ok, and if he wants to get help let him do it give the man a chance and good coaches and whanau support that he needs.

17 Nov 2011 06:54a.m.

Alex wrote:

They are sponsoring sports clubs to advertise their name and their products, they aren't encouraging people to get drunk and stupid like Zac Guildford.