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Abstract
Denmark and Germany have similarities regarding their drinking patterns and alcohol policies, although they differ in their way of health promotion concerning alcohol consumption: the governmental health service in Denmark tending more towards a moderate consumption, and Germany tending rather towards near-total abstinence. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the influence of particular interest groups on alcohol policy by analyses of educational print-media about alcohol. The results show that German educational print-media denounce alcohol as a dangerous drug, while the Danish health service balances the positive effects of alcohol against its negative ones. Alcohol-related problems are related to harmful alcohol consumption in Denmark, and to any alcohol consumption in Germany. The ideological background for these strategies is connected to medical circles in Denmark, and temperance groups in Germany. In Germany, the strong position of the temperance groups supported by the then ruling conservative party, and the national virtuous attitude to temperance, most likely account for the more "restrictive" German approach.