The European spirits sector has funded, supported, monitored and evaluated 457 responsible drinking initiatives since the launch of the European Alcohol and Health Forum (EAHF) in June 2007. There are currently 133 ongoing initiatives, 14 of which started in 2017. Each initiative is reported on www.drinksinitiatives.eu which includes information on the partners we work with, objectives and tools used as well as measurement & evaluation results. On a case by case basis, we have been able to record and evaluate the positive impact that such initiatives have had on their community. This enables us to learn and develop new and more effective strategies and facilitate exchange of best practice to avoid reinventing the wheel.
The campaigns in the implementation report 2017 cover areas mentioned in the Charter establishing the EAHF inspired from the 2006 EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm such as curbing underage drinking (e.g., enforcement of age limits for selling and serving alcohol); provide consumers information on the effect of harmful drinking (drink-driving; drinking during pregnancy, drinking illicit product) but also on promoting responsible drinking patterns.
We continue to deliver these actions even after the suspension of the EAHF meetings. The numbers shown above help to provide an illustration of what has been undertaken since the inception of the Forum. Some initiatives have been running for over a decade, some are designed to be implemented over several years, while others are more short term.
Every month through the spiritsNEWS, we put the spotlight on one these initiatives.
