European spirit producers tackle alcohol misuse

Published: 25 February, 2010

Europe's spirits producers have launched a online database to help reduce alcohol related harm.

The site has been produced by the European Spirits Organisation CEPS, and the European Forum for Responsible Drinking EFRD. It offers up-to-date information on initiatives to tackle underage drinking and drink-driving, to promote responsible drinking to at-risk groups and the responsible service/selling of alcohol and to raise alcohol awareness in the workplace.

Director general of CEPS, Jamie Fortescue, said: "85% of Europeans consume our products in moderation, enjoying them as a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, a minority does drink to excess. As producers of alcoholic drinks we realise that we have a responsibility to promote responsible consumption - this database highlights over 300 of our initiatives from across 23 European countries and also measures their impact."

The spirits industry is leading a number of initiatives both privately and in public partnerships across Europe to tackle the misuse of alcohol. These include: providing responsible drinking messages in commercial communications, codes of conduct on marketing, product development, campaigns to tackle underage drinking and drink driving, and support for educational initiatives.

Fortescue added: "We believe that initiatives to tackle alcohol misuse require commitment and cooperation between all stakeholders, including the spirits industry."

EFRD member companies include, Bacardi-Martini, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Brown-Forman, Diageo, Moët-Hennessy, Pernod Ricard.

The database is available at www.drinksinitiatives.eu

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