More than 100 organisations spanning retail, e-commerce, hospitality, advertising, sport and digital platforms have joined the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking’s (IARD) Global Standards Coalition, as part of a growing international effort to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
The coalition, launched in 2023, has seen a rapid expansion with new signatories including DoorDash, Google, TikTok, Pinterest and the Duty Free World Council.
The initiative brings together key stakeholders across multiple industries – from alcohol producers and distributors to marketing agencies and digital platforms – in a coordinated bid to raise industry standards and promote responsible alcohol use.
Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard and IARD’s Chairman of the Board, said:“The scale of this coalition is unprecedented – across tech, retail, and our industry – the largest players have come together to tackle harmful drinking.
“The 100 members have made significant progress in establishing safeguards and raising standards. However, we know work remains to be done to deliver on our shared goal of reducing harmful drinking.”
Member organisations have committed to implementing policies aimed at curbing underage drinking and misuse, including measures to prevent the sale and marketing of alcohol to minors and intoxicated individuals.
The coalition is also providing resources to employees and partners to support responsible retailing and consumption, while fostering a culture that respects abstention.
Gavin Hattersley, Global CEO of Molson Coors and IARD’s Vice-Chair, said: “Though we come from different sectors, markets, and tiers of business, we share a common purpose: reducing harmful drinking and fostering a culture of moderation among adults who choose to drink.
“This is the right decision – for a responsible future and the sustainability of our industry.”
Led by IARD, the Global Standards Coalition is focused on five core areas:
- Further prevent sales to those underage or intoxicated
- Prevent marketing and advertising to those underage
- Provide training and guidance that empowers staff to deny sale, service, and delivery of alcohol where necessary
- Respect the choices of those who choose not to drink alcohol
- Elevate industry standards to reduce the harmful use of alcohol
The latest IARD report, Standards in Action, released earlier this month, highlights how businesses across the beer, wine and spirits sectors are building on these commitments. It documents the introduction of digital tools to age-gate marketing content, training modules for frontline retail and delivery staff, and partnerships across public and private sectors.
The report positions these initiatives as part of a broader whole-of-society approach, arguing that industry collaboration with government and civil society is essential to achieving meaningful change in alcohol-related harm.
Julian Braithwaite, CEO and President, IARD, said: “We are proud to be leading the Global Standards Coalition and celebrate the historic milestone of 100 members.
“Together we are implementing practical measures with tangible impact. This is the UN’s whole-of-society approach in action.
“Through expanding our partnerships we can accelerate success. We invite you to join us in our efforts to reduce trends in harmful drinking. Leveraging the resources, skills, and reach of our respective organisations at a national, regional, and global level, we can help deliver positive societal change.
“The GSC 100 marks a crucial step in our collective journey, and the Standards in Action report details the strides already made by industry leaders. Together we will keep moving forward and sustain momentum towards improved health outcomes globally.”
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is a not-for-profit organisation, supported by leading global beer, wine and spirits producers and is dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking.