Stanford policy ‘sends dangerous message’

The Distilled Spirits Council has slammed Stanford University’s ban on spirits, claiming it “sends a dangerous message to college students”.

The Distilled Spirits Council has slammed Stanford University’s ban on spirits

In a written response to the university’s decision to prohibit “hard alcohol” from its undergraduate campus following a serious sexual assault, Kraig R. Naasz, president and CEO, Distilled Spirits Council, said the move lacked scientific integrity.

While US-based trade association praised the University for its desire to address incidents of alcohol abuse, it noted that “well intentioned” policies can do damage.

The statement in full reads:

Stanford University President John L. Hennessy is to be commended for his desire to address incidents of alcohol abuse on campus. However, while well-intentioned, policies that single out distilled spirits but ignore beer or wine suggest that some forms of alcohol are “softer” than others.

Such an approach sends a dangerous message to college students that is not supported by scientific evidence. Efforts to address harmful drinking should be comprehensive and recognise that the consequences of alcohol abuse are attributable to the consumption pattern, not the type of alcohol consumed.

We stand ready to work with universities in reviewing their alcohol policies and would urge them to utilise the best available science and proven strategies in formulating their positions. It’s important to recognise that all forms of alcohol can be consumed responsibly and all forms can be abused.  

Last January, it was revealed thatIvy League college, Dartmouth, planned to ban hard liquor (alcohol containing 15% abv or more) from its campus in an effort to curb alcohol-related abuse and binge drinking.