For millions of adults worldwide, enjoying beer, wine and spirits in moderation is integral to their social lives.
The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) is a member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) and supports the first-ever global alliance of its kind, the IARD Global Standards Coalition.
This brings together more than 80 organisations around the world who have joined to show they are united in further accelerating reductions in the harmful use of alcohol and promoting moderation among those who choose to drink.
This ground-breaking alliance includes IARD member companies and other private sector organisations across the retail, e-commerce, marketing and advertising, and hospitality sectors, as well as sports bodies and digital platforms. In New Zealand, this includes Asahi, DB Breweries, Lion NZ and Pernod Ricard.
Members of IARD’s Global Standard Coalition stand for:
- It firmly believes beer, wine, and spirits are adult drinks and opposes the marketing and sale of alcoholic beverages to those below the legal purchase age.
- It has put in place policies and practices to prevent the marketing or sale of alcoholic beverages to those below the legal purchase age.
- It equips its employees and partners with training and information to promote responsible business practices.
- It supports and recognises those adults who choose not to drink alcohol.
- It work together to enhance safeguards and further raise standards to address the harmful use of alcohol.
IARD will assist the coalition by helping to showcase practices and develop resources to support others to act.
“We support the coalition's aims to generate innovative ideas and share best practices to help further accelerate downward trends in harmful use of alcohol locally, nationally, and internationally,” said NZABC executive director Virginia Nicholls.
“This provides an opportunity for the private sector to show their unique contribution towards reducing harmful drinking and promoting moderation among those who choose to drink.”
Although there are reductions in harmful drinking worldwide, these trends are not universal. By bringing together partners from across the value chain, this coalition provides an opportunity to share good practices and accelerate trends.
In New Zealand, the annual Health Survey reveals that 81 percent of New Zealand adults – four out of five - drink beer, wine and spirits responsibly.
New Zealanders now drink more than 25 percent less than in the late 1970s. Fewer under 18 are drinking alcohol, and those who do are drinking less hazardously.
IARD has recently produced a report on ‘actions to prevent underage drinking’. They have also provided free resources for retail staff and servers to help serve and deliver alcohol responsibly. These resources are intended to complement rather than replace existing material and to provide guidance where nothing is in place.
