Getting to SAFER, Faster: Reflections on GAPC 2026Getting to SAFER, Faster: Reflections on GAPC 2026
Alcohol Alert Podcast
Emma Thompson and Laura Kouri reflect on the Global Alcohol Policy Conference in Brazil, discussing tax reform, conflict of interest rules and global industry interference. They share examples of promising policies, gaps in representation and hopes for stronger, more equitable alcohol control in the years ahead.
33:21•30 Apr 2026
Getting to SAFER, Faster: Global Alcohol Policy Lessons from Brazil
Episode Overview
- GAPC brings together academics, policymakers and civil society to share alcohol policy research and strategy from around the globe.
- Brazil is using its tax reform and a new conflict of interest framework to prioritise alcohol policy and protect health decisions from industry influence.
- Evidence from Lithuania suggests comprehensive alcohol marketing bans can contribute to large reductions in adolescent drinking.
- Digital alcohol marketing and AI-driven algorithms are spreading alcohol content widely, especially to young people, raising serious public health concerns.
- Future conferences could benefit from more youth participation, voices of people with lived experience, and stronger funding for attendees from low- and middle-income countries.
“Having our Minister of Health say that alcohol policy is a priority for the government and that we're looking at excise taxation, I mean, that for me is a huge advocacy win.”
How do different strategies aid in addiction recovery? This episode of Alcohol Alert shifts the focus from individual drinking stories to the bigger picture of alcohol policy on a global stage. The Institute of Alcohol Studies brings together Laura Kouri from ACT Health Promotion in Brazil and researcher Emma Thompson from IAS and the University of Edinburgh to talk about the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) held in Brazil.
GAPC is described as the key meeting point for academics, policymakers and civil society, creating what Emma calls “a really rich mix of perspectives and some really good conversations.” You’ll hear how Brazil used the conference to build real momentum around its tax reform and alcohol policy, including excise taxes on unhealthy products and a groundbreaking conflict of interest framework from the Ministry of Health.
Laura highlights a major advocacy win: “having our Minister of Health say that alcohol policy is a priority for the government… that for me is a huge advocacy win.” The conversation ranges from Brazil’s heavy beer culture and rising drinking among women, to equity-focused sessions on alcohol’s links with colonialism, targeted marketing to Black Brazilian women, and the harmful framing of alcohol as “empowerment”.
There’s also a chilling look at digital marketing and AI-driven algorithms promoting alcohol to young people across platforms like TikTok. Both guests reflect on regional differences – from under-resourced health systems in parts of Africa to Europe’s concerns about cross-border digital marketing – but agree that industry interference is a shared global barrier.
They’re honest about what GAPC could do better too: more youth voices, people with lived experience, and stronger funding so colleagues from low- and middle-income countries can attend. If you’re interested in how policy, advocacy and research can work together to reduce alcohol harm, this conversation offers a fast tour of what’s happening globally – and might leave you asking where your own country fits into this picture.
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