Inbrief

Diageo has taken the rare step of declaring public policy lobbying positions in its latest Corporate Citizenship Report. The drinks and food multinational says that in 2004 it successfully lobbied for regulations allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays in two US states, opposed alcohol tax increases in 20 US states, and backed an alcohol convention in Belgium setting out responsible marketing standards for selling beer, spirits and wine. Pressure is growing on companies to declare their lobbying positions so that stakeholders can see whether they are consistent with stated CSR priorities.