Diageo Ireland Chief Steps Down From Board Of Anti-alcohol Abuse Campaign

Diageo ireland chief steps down from board of anti-alcohol abuse campaign

The Health Minister has welcomed the decision by the head of Diageo Ireland to step down from the board of the 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' campaign. A statement from David Smith says he is pulling out after board members were put under pressure because of a perceived lack of independence with Diageo on the board. The company's involvement in the campaign had provoked a large amount of controversy, however it will continue to provide funding for it. Minister Leo Varadkar says Mr Smith's move is the right decision. "I think it's welcome that Diageo are stepping back from that campaign - I don't think it's appropriate that the drinks industry should be actively involved in campaigns around public health for the obvious reason" he said. "Having that said, there has been no attempt by that group - they haven't contacted the Department of Health or the government, they haven't sought our support or endorsement" he added.