The International Center for Alcohol Policies and the Global Alcohol Producers Group have launched a new organization called the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) to help reduce harmful drinking and promote responsible drinking through research, programs and advocacy around the world.
Also central to IARD’s mission will be supporting and accelerating implementation of the Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ Commitments to Reduce Harmful Drinking. The organization will promote effective policies and programs, as well as contribute to an informed debate by providing balanced and evidence-based science.
Ann Keeling, who is currently serving as United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Pakistan, will serve as CEO of the new organization. Her 30-year career includes deep experience with social development and non-communicable diseases in national and international agencies, and NGOs. Keeling previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the International Diabetes Federation, and is Founding Chair of the NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) Alliance, where she successfully led a campaign for a UN High Level Summit on NCDs. Keeling’s first day as CEO will be January 1, 2015.
Michael Dickstein
will discuss
Heineken's responsible
drinking campaign
at
SB'14 London
The formation of IARD is an extension of member companies’ work over the last two decades to build the evidence base, inform decision-makers and advance hands-on programs to reduce harmful drinking. The organization will advocate for the most effective policies and programs, communicate the views and perspectives of member companies and serve as a single global point of contact for international and national agencies, member states, NGOs and other stakeholders.
Provisional board members of the new organization include: Anadolu EFES; AB InBev; Asahi Breweries; Bacardi; Beam Suntory; Brewers Association of Japan; Brown-Forman Corporation; Carlsberg; Constellation; Diageo; Heineken; JSLMA; Kirin; Moët Hennessy; Molson Coors; Pernod Ricard; and SABMiller.
Anheuser-Busch InBev recently released the results of its first international survey on consumer attitudes toward the responsible serving and selling of alcoholic beverages — adults of legal drinking age in eight countries were asked about the impact that bartenders, waiters and store clerks have on encouraging responsible drinking.