Date of Award
1990
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Business Administration
Department
Business
First Advisor
Daniel W. Kemper
Second Advisor
Robert Sullentrup
Third Advisor
Joseph Silverio
Abstract
This thesis will focus on studies which have been conducted showing both the benefits and detriments of beer to health. Further, illegal drugs and beer will be compared, regarding economic impact and effect on users.
In recent years, the beer industry has been attacked by the media and other elements of society. It is considered a detriment to health by some. The negative media attention in recent years has given the beer industry and its products a bad image. Further, in the last 24 months, efforts have been made by supporters of the anti-alcohol movement to equate beer with illegal drugs, such as "crack" and cocaine.
Through research (a variety of published works), I will show that beer does in fact have a positive place in society, when consumed in moderation. Specifically, I will explore certain health issues as well as point out some key differences between illegal drugs and beer. In general, I will show that beer has more benefit than detriment to the user, when consumed in moderation.
The Department of Consumer Awareness and Education at Anheuser-Busch will be the source of all studies reviewed. This department has on file studies on alcohol use and abuse obtained from the majority of influential writers on the subject. Copies of these same works can be found in the Anheuser-Busch corporate library at the company's headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri or at the St. Louis public library. Material to be reviewed include those covering such aspects as:
- Trends in alcohol-related driving fatalities, and
- Medical studies on the health benefits and detriments of beer.
In addition to reviewing works that are both favorable and unfavorable, written by credible and qualified authors (for example, Medical Doctors), personal interviews will be conducted with both John H. Rice, M.D., a St. Louis, Missouri internist, and Stephen J. Burrows, Vice President of the Department of Consumer Awareness and Education, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
After reviewing the reports and studies of many experts in the fields of health and alcohol abuse, two general conclusions were reached:
- Moderate and light beer consumption is not harmful to health and in fact offers some health benefits.
- Excessive beer consumption can be detrimental to health.
Recommended Citation
Rice, James M., "The Benefits and Detriments of Beer: Health and Economic Impact" (1990). Theses. 1260.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1260
Creative Commons License
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