Industry commended for responsible drinking initiatives

On the day brewers, wholesalers, retailers, NGOs, government officials, law enforcement and other partners will come together to promote responsible drinking in communities around the world.

BBPA said the beer and brewing industry make significant positive contributions to local cultures and economies, and brewers want to protect these communities by making sure their products are consumed in moderation.

Binge drinking and other alcohol harm indicators are moving downwards in the UK, and all parts of the sector are committed to tackling alcohol harm, the association claims.

Brewers and pub operators have participated in more than 200 initiatives under the Government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal, and already removed around 1.2 billion units of alcohol from the UK market to help consumers drink within the lower risk guidelines.

BBPA-led initiatives, such as the ‘Challenge 21’ campaign, have seen more than 300,000 posters distributed to pubs.

More than half of consumers exposed to unit awareness information have seen it in pubs and bars.  Brewers have also worked to ensure 85% of beers on shelf now have unit content, lower risk drinking guidelines and a pregnancy warning on the label.

The report also includes a wide range of company case studies from BBPA members. 

These cover the development of new, lower strength beer products (Adnams and Molson  Coors), focused advertising campaigns (HEINEKEN), consumer information (AB InBev and Fuller’s), sponsorship (St Austell), drink driving (Diageo), local partnerships (Carlsberg UK, Joseph Holt) and staff training (SABMiller).

Initiatives on responsible retailing are a global phenomenon, with more than 1,000 initiatives across the world.

On Global Beer Responsibility Day on 18 September, three of the world’s largest global brewers (AB InBev, Carlsberg and HEINEKEN) have teamed up to highlight responsibility programs around the world focusing on reducing the harmful use of alcohol and encouraging a culture of moderation. 

Writing in the foreword, BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds, states: “While all brewers and pub operators want people to enjoy themselves and have memorable experiences, it is in no one’s interest that alcohol is misused. All in the brewing and pub industry take their responsibility to help promote responsible drinking and address alcohol-related harm extremely seriously.

“This report highlights just a small selection of some of the initiatives from the BBPA and our member companies. We will continue to showcase best practice and raise the bar on what can be achieved.”