The problem is that such regulation can be circumvented with relatively low costs. Imagine the same partners establishing a new private company, Xe, which then takes over the assets and contracts of Blackwater Worldwide. While the costs may be somewhat higher and the legalities more complex, it could be done without putting a visible dent on profits, and no amount of regulation could force the old name on the new entity.
The only working method - in both cases - is for the other interested parties to always refer to this company as "Xe, formerly known as Blackwater"
France has been much more efficient at curbing smoking than drinking alcohol.
Two decades ago, the state was still a major shareholder in the leading tobacco company. It sold its stakes to Spain, drastically increased taxes, and that was the start of it.
Big Booze in France is a different story with major global players (like Big Tobacco), but also networks of small producers and local independent brands, along with very deeply rooted associations. There is clearly a difference between wines (including cognac, champaign) and other alcohols (ie beer, liquors), and usually major players don't play in both leagues. From a marketing and lobbying point of view, two positionning : "luxury / cultural identity" vs "mass market / agrobusiness". Employment is a major argument for both, but the former have an easier time getting their point, leveraging on gallic pride.
I think we may see the same split in Australia (wine producers / Big Beer ?).
In France, after a major set of regulations, about 20 years ago, advertising was banned from TV, and a very mild recommandation for "moderate drinking" implemented. But over the past decade, nothing moved, except in the wrong direction (ie many attempts to get rid of restricting laws).
Lobbying remains very powerful : many lawmakers represent wine producing regions, and wine consumption went down in France (more than ever, the industry relies on exports). Lobbyists claim that younger generations are embracing even more dangerous habits (ie binge drinking and "energy drinks" / hard liquor mixes became successful imports from the UK).
You left off Votingbloc.org. They are doing a great job of providing a forum for voters to unite in support of single issues. It is basically like an online petition but with teeth because those people are pledging to vote together to directly influence elected officials on a particular issue.
The problem is that such regulation can be circumvented with relatively low costs. Imagine the same partners establishing a new private company, Xe, which then takes over the assets and contracts of Blackwater Worldwide. While the costs may be somewhat higher and the legalities more complex, it could be done without putting a visible dent on profits, and no amount of regulation could force the old name on the new entity.
The only working method - in both cases - is for the other interested parties to always refer to this company as "Xe, formerly known as Blackwater"
So, from the point of view of PR Watch, what's the scoop on and behind the scenes of the flu pandemic?
France has been much more efficient at curbing smoking than drinking alcohol.
Two decades ago, the state was still a major shareholder in the leading tobacco company. It sold its stakes to Spain, drastically increased taxes, and that was the start of it.
Big Booze in France is a different story with major global players (like Big Tobacco), but also networks of small producers and local independent brands, along with very deeply rooted associations. There is clearly a difference between wines (including cognac, champaign) and other alcohols (ie beer, liquors), and usually major players don't play in both leagues. From a marketing and lobbying point of view, two positionning : "luxury / cultural identity" vs "mass market / agrobusiness". Employment is a major argument for both, but the former have an easier time getting their point, leveraging on gallic pride.
I think we may see the same split in Australia (wine producers / Big Beer ?).
In France, after a major set of regulations, about 20 years ago, advertising was banned from TV, and a very mild recommandation for "moderate drinking" implemented. But over the past decade, nothing moved, except in the wrong direction (ie many attempts to get rid of restricting laws).
Lobbying remains very powerful : many lawmakers represent wine producing regions, and wine consumption went down in France (more than ever, the industry relies on exports). Lobbyists claim that younger generations are embracing even more dangerous habits (ie binge drinking and "energy drinks" / hard liquor mixes became successful imports from the UK).
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Stephane MOT -
blogules and other Weapons of Mass Disinformation
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but I think it's worth another whirl. It's Messrs. Schubert and Flint explaining their strategy and taking their bows for the Proposition 8 campaign. (Think massive, massive, massive!)
And here's just one illustration of why time is not on their side nonetheless.
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