British initiatives featured in new Worldwide Brewing Alliance website on encouraging responsible consumption

British brewers feature in a new website just launched by the Worldwide Brewing Alliance (WBA), which shows how the global brewing industry is working to help reduce the harmful use of alcohol.  The website demonstrates a shared dedication to promoting responsible drinking of beer across the world.

 

The site provides detailed information about hundreds of brewer-supported responsibility initiatives, building upon similar printed compilations produced in 2007 and 2003.  The 2012 digital version allows users to search by several criteria and create customized reports based on their queries.

 

One recent such initiative documented on the website, from SABMiller subsidiary Miller Brands, sets out a campaign on responsible drinking in Surrey. The company works in partnership with representatives from the local council, Surrey Chamber of Commerce, the NHS and the police, among others. Its activities have included a survey on alcohol responsibility in partnership with the local radio station, and an alcohol education program in schools with the local council and Drinkaware.

 

Also featured are the UK industry’s commitments under the Responsibility Deal. One key initiative is the industry’s pledge on alcohol labelling, where the BBPA and other industry members have pledged to ensure that over 80 per cent of products on shelf will have labels with clear unit content by December 2013, NHS guidelines and a warning about drinking when pregnant. This pledge will help to increase public understanding of units and NHS guidelines, helping consumers to manage their consumption.

 

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), pictured, comments:

 

“Brewers in Britain and all over the world are always working to improve their local communities by supporting and sponsoring specific programmes to reduce excessive alcohol consumption.

 

“Most people enjoy beer responsibly, but to tackle irresponsible drinking, brewers are constantly developing new tools and initiatives many of which are featured on this website.”

 

Ends

 

For further information please contact:

 

David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 436 033

Neil Williams, Communications Manager: 020 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779

 

Notes to editors:

The new website is available here: http://gsri.worldwidebrewingalliance.org