Brewers Association to fund Alcohol Policy Research

6 December 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Brewers Association to fund Alcohol Policy Research at Canterbury University

The University of Canterbury and the Brewers Association of Australia and New Zealand today announced an initiative to increase economic rigour in the area of alcohol policy in Australia and New Zealand. Funding from the Brewers Association to the University will allow Dr Eric Crampton to focus more of his time on alcohol policy analysis and research.

Dr. Crampton is Senior Lecturer in Economics in the College of Business & Law. His recent research has focused on the intersection of economics, voter knowledge, and public policy. He has taken particular interest in policy intended to mitigate the costs individuals may impose on others through the tax and public health system. In 2011, he examined popular figures around the social cost of harmful alcohol use in Australia and New Zealand and found they grossly overstated costs to the public purse. He regularly contributes to the Trans-Tasman debate on alcohol policy.

The Director of External Relations of the Brewers Association, Jenny Cameron said: “This funding is an expression of the brewing industry’s support for Canterbury University and the revitalisation of the Canterbury region. It will add to the voices in the public debate over alcohol and alcohol policy.”

“The Brewers Association maintains our commitment to quality science and evidence-based measures in the development of alcohol policy, and the importance of full academic freedom in pursuing research”, said Ms Cameron.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Professor Sonia Mazey, commented: “The University of Canterbury prides itself on producing research that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant. The University, Dr Crampton and the Brewers Association have ensured that the three-year grant to the University will provide Dr Crampton both the time to work on alcohol policy and the academic freedom necessary to make a substantive contribution.”

ENDS

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