Alcohol and the New Prohibitionists

Yeah, it could be the name of a band. Unfortunately, that’s not what it is.

An insidious movement is afoot in America today that sees even the legal, moderate use of beverage alcohol as a harm to society. So much a harm that these New Prohibitionists would like to have it eliminated.

The topics of temperance and alcohol abuse have long dogged the U.S. beverage alcohol industry. No one argues that consuming too much alcohol causes negative outcomes. But how much is too much? The choice of moderate, responsible alcohol consumption is a long accepted societal practice, which, through the years, has also been associated with many health benefits. However, according to the New Prohibitionists, almost no amount of alcohol is safe. That is the public debate being pushed today by the anti-alcohol forces, who are not above using questionable health-related data to support their position.

As an example, the federal Dietary Guidelines, put out by the U.S. departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS), are the latest New Prohibitionist target. The guidelines get reviewed and revamped every five years. In the 2020 review process, New Prohibitionists are attacking the long-standing definition of moderate drinking. Anti-alcohol advocates led the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to propose that the definition of moderate, safe consumption for men be decreased from two drinks per day to one drink a day. The committee justified its recommendation by cherry picking one medical study from the many available.

Brewers respond

In August, the Beer Institute and the Brewers Association responded by filing written comments with the USDA highlighting numerous scientific and procedural issues that undermine the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendation to halve the moderate alcohol consumption guidelines for men.

“For three decades, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have defined moderate alcohol consumption as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. The preponderance of the evidence the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reviewed supported, at a minimum, maintaining this standard,” said Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. “Suddenly changing the moderate consumption alcohol guidelines without a sound scientific basis will only create confusion for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and consumers.”

“Beer is enjoyed responsibly by millions of adults every day. Basing the Dietary Guidelines in sound science will mean Americans can trust the recommendations for how they should continue to enjoy alcohol in moderation if they choose to drink,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association.

The beer industry’s comments also propose common sense recommendations for the final Dietary Guidelines that are supported by sound science: Maintain the current moderate alcohol consumption guidelines; advise adults who are 21-years old and older to talk to a trusted healthcare professional about concerns about alcohol consumption; urge adults to know the differences between the types, sizes, and alcohol content of alcohol beverages they consume; and encourage people to consume food and stay hydrated while drinking alcohol.

The debate is ongoing. We will have to wait and see where the final, revised guidelines fall out.

Vigilance required

No one argues that alcohol abuse creates harm and has a significant social cost. Alcoholism and over-consumption are serious problems that continually need addressed, and all of us need to work for solutions. Helping address those problems is a proper and needed mission of our government, but that mission should not include attacking responsible drinking. The majority of Americans, who drink alcohol occasionally and responsibly, do not benefit from New Prohibitionist rhetoric.

You will undoubtedly be hearing more about alcohol and health in coming years. It is the door through which New Prohibitionists see the opportunity to attack you and your lifestyle. In the final analysis, their position is no different from the 19th and 20th century Prohibitionists: They want to do away with beverage alcohol. They are not your friend. Whether or not to consume alcohol is a personal choice—one that, unfortunately, will need defending against this current neo-prohibitionist assault.

The Dietary Guidelines

For many years, the federal Dietary Guidelines have defined moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also promotes a reasonable, responsible position that says several categories of people should not drink at all. They include:

• Women who are or may be pregnant.
• People younger than age 21.
• People who have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications that can interact with alcohol.
• Recovering alcoholics or people unable to control the amount they drink.
• People who are doing things that require skill, coordination, and alertness, such as driving a car.

The CDC also states that women who are breastfeeding should talk with their health care provider about alcohol consumption.