Policy response to alcohol consumption and tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO South-East Asia Region: preparedness for future pandemic events. Brief 7, July 2022

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic implications on alcohol consumption and tobacco use

Throughout the pandemic, changes in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco have been observed, coupled with the increased likelihood of severe infections of COVID-19 among those who consume alcohol and use tobacco.  In response, countries in the South-East Asia region have implemented a range of policy approaches affecting the acceptability, availability and affordability of alcohol and tobacco to contend with these changes.

Policy measures and regulatory changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Most of country's efforts were placed on changing the acceptability and availability and alcohol and tobacco through, for example, raising awareness about the relationships between alcohol consumption and tobacco use and the severity of and mortality from COVID-19 infections. Similarly, many countries restricted the sale of alcohol on- and off-premises during the initial waves of the pandemic. In addition, some countries strengthened their support available to those who consume alcohol and use tobacco, for example by increasing the availability of and access to telephone and virtual mental health supports. Significant industry participation by both the alcohol and tobacco industries was also observed in countries in the South-East Asia region, primarily through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

Five lessons learned emerged from findings across the 11 countries, including 1) heavy focus on measures related to acceptability and availability of alcohol and tobacco; 2) significant expansion of online ordering and home-delivery of alcohol and tobacco products; 3) measures related to acceptability and availability are easier to implement and frequently under the purview of emergency acts; 4) the temporality of the measures reduced the potential for long-term gains in health and wellbeing that may have been experienced had these measures been sustained; 5) countries may struggle with feeling indebted toward the industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidance for future pandemic events

Guidance for future pandemic events brings together findings from each of the 11 countries as well as synthesized evidence collected during the pandemic. In the face of future public health emergencies, this guidance suggests, among other actions, for countries to introduce stronger regulations to protect public health goals over vested interests, couple the widespread exclusion of alcohol and tobacco from essential commodities lists with the expansion of coverage and options available to support quitting and addressing withdrawals, and increase taxes levied on alcohol and tobacco and avoid implementing industry concessions, such as deferring tax payments.