Global companies unite to reduce harmful drinking
More than 100 leading companies have joined with members of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) to help reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
Leading retailers, e-commerce platforms, marketing and advertising agencies, sports bodies, travel retail and hospitality sectors, plus self-regulatory organisations and digital platforms, have joined forces to further accelerate reductions in harmful use of alcohol, as members of IARD’s Global Standards Coalition.
The coalition aims to create a positive movement that drives global initiatives focusing on proactive measures to further prevent sales to those underage or intoxicated; prevent marketing and advertising to those underage; provide training and guidance that empowers staff to deny sale, service, and delivery of alcohol where necessary; respect the choices of those who choose not to drink alcohol; and elevate industry standards to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.
This worldwide alliance has now grown to more than 100 members, building on the success of its launch in 2023. New signatories include DoorDash, Google, TikTok, Pinterest and the Duty Free World Council.
The signatories are putting in place policies and practices to prevent the sale and marketing of alcohol to those underage, while also supporting employees and partners with resources, and working together to further reduce harmful drinking.
Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard and IARD’s chairman of the board, said: “The scale of this coalition is unprecedented. Across tech, retail, and our industry, the largest players have come together to tackle harmful drinking.
“The 100 members have made significant progress in establishing safeguards and raising standards. However, we know work remains to be done to deliver on our shared goal of reducing harmful drinking.”
The work to tackle harmful drinking has been bolstered by pioneering industry initiatives, according to a new report, called Standards in Action, released today (3 July) by IARD.
The report showcases the extensive global efforts of leaders across the beer, wine, and spirits sectors, including the development of safeguards and digital-first tools to prevent underage drinking and ensure responsible marketing.
The report also details proactive public and private sector collaboration, aimed to stop harmful drinking through a whole-of-society approach.
Gavin Hattersley, global CEO of Molson Coors and IARD’s vice-chair, said: “Though we come from different sectors, markets, and tiers of business, we share a common purpose: reducing harmful drinking and fostering a culture of moderation among adults who choose to drink. We are proud to play our part in this groundbreaking coalition, and to help support industry-wide efforts to raise standards and drive positive change.”
Julian Braithwaite, IARD’s CEO and president, added: “We are proud to be leading the Global Standards Coalition and celebrate the historic milestone of 100 members. Together, we are implementing practical measures with tangible impact. This is the UN’s whole-of-society approach in action.
“Through expanding our partnerships, we can accelerate success. We invite you to join us in our efforts to reduce trends in harmful drinking. Leveraging the resources, skills, and reach of our respective organisations at a national, regional, and global level, we can help deliver positive societal change.
“The GSC 100 marks a crucial step in our collective journey, and the Standards in Action report details the strides already made by industry leaders. Together, we will keep moving forward and sustain momentum towards improved health outcomes globally.”
In 2023, we spoke with the former IARD CEO Henry Ashworth about how working together with other organisations is considered vital when it comes to keeping consumers safe.
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