Australia now employs a policy strategy that consists of the National Alcohol Strategy, alcohol taxation, and enforcement of the legal drinking age (Department of Health, 2019). These are important, but they sometimes point out regulation over popular prevention. The solutions proposed by our group provide a more community-focused strategy that encourages peer support and sustained behavioural change. Our resolutions might be more meaningful and relatable than some of the more general national strategies since we interact directly with people, particularly young people.

‌

Department of Health. (2019, February 5). National Alcohol Strategy 2019–2028. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-alcohol-strategy-2019-2028?language=en

‌

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education. (n.d.). FARE. https://fare.org.au

These statistics highlight an urgent ethical issue: the responsibility of organisations, especially those in the alcohol and hospitality industries to minimise harm rather than intensify it. Many businesses continue to face scrutiny over their role in promoting harmful drinking behaviours. Despite public health campaigns and regulatory measures, some alcohol producers and retailers engage in aggressive marketing, promotions targeting young people, and expansion into vulnerable communities. These practices raise ethical concerns about profit-driven motives conflicting with the wellbeing of individuals and society at large. This issue is directly linked to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 3.5, which calls for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia. Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia

For example, research by Tanudjaja et al. (2020) indicates that university students in Australia are particularly susceptible to alcohol-related harms due to peer pressure and social norms that encourage heavy drinking. The study found that a significant proportion of students engaged in risky drinking behaviours, leading to adverse health outcomes.

Moreover, alcohol abuse contributes to social problems such as domestic violence and road traffic accidents. According to a study by Noonan et al. (2020), alcohol is involved in between 23% and 65% of all family violence incidents reported to police in Australia. This underscores the significant role that alcohol plays in perpetuating social harm.

The economic impact is also substantial. The Productivity Commission (2018) estimates that alcohol misuse costs the Australian economy approximately $14.3 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and law enforcement costs.

In addition, SDG 12, which is Responsible Consumption and Production, also comes into effect since it identifies the responsibility of businesses to maintain control over their marketing and sales of alcoholic beverages.

SDG 16: peace, justice, and strong institutions, specifically target 16.1, which is also impacted by alcohol misuse, as it has been identified as a family violence and crime. Alcohol-related violence has been stated to account for approximately 40% of police-reported crimes in Australia (Foundation for Alcohol Research and education,2022).

Lastly, SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, facilitates collaborative action by government, businesses, and NGO collaboration. Organizations such as DrinkWise and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation already engage with industry to develop campaigns, mitigate harm, and foster a culture of moderation. Addressing alcohol abuse through these interrelated SDGs is critical to protecting community health and encouraging ethical business practices.

Businesses involved in alcohol production or trading can attract public criticism if they are perceived to encourage alcohol misuse. Public disapproval can ruin brand reputation and consumer trust, especially among customers who are health conscious.

Legal and regulatory risks

Companies are coming under increasing regulation regarding the promotions and labeling of alcohol. The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE, 2022) contends that aggressive promotion of alcohol to youth has called for more irresponsible promotional tactics.

Opportunities through ethical leadership

Conversely, proactive organizations such as labeling campaigns, ethical marketing, or sponsoring alcohol education can build stronger relationships with the public and achieve a competitive advantage.

Limiting alcohol advertising. especially during the viewing hours of young audiences, which can reduce underage exposure (FARE, 2023), decrease future abuse rates, and build public trust. However, existing self-regulated codes such as ABAC are not strongly enforced (ABAC, 2022).

DrinkWise Australia. (2023). Our campaigns and initiatives.

Home - DrinkWise

World Health Organization. (2018). Global status report on alcohol and health 2018.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639

Rehm, J., & Shield, K. D. (2019). Global burden of alcohol use and the relation to Sustainable Development Goals. Addiction, 114(4), 507–510. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14428

Bakke, Ø., & Endal, D. (2010). Alcohol policies out of context: Drinks industry supplanting government role in alcohol policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Addiction, 105(1), 22–28.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02695.x

Casswell, S., Huckle, T., & Wall, M. (2016). Reducing harm from alcohol: Call to action. The Lancet, 387(10014), 2035–2044.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00277-2