Bottles of various alcoholic drinks
Graphic from THEPHILBIZNEWS
By Alithea De Jesus
With the reimposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) by the national government to prevent the spread of coronavirus and unnecessary gathering, several Metro Manila cities decided to reapply the liquor ban.
The Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. (ABAPI) calls for an enhanced campaign on responsible drinking and urges to observe safe practices in alcohol purchase and consumption.
Furthermore, ABAPI also encourages consumers to follow Government issued guidelines on alcohol purchase and consumption, such as practicing proper physical distancing, following allowed limits on gatherings and curfews.
In the statement sent to THEPHILBIZNEWS, ABAPI President Kavita Hans said, “ABAPI stands with the government in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. We prioritize public health and safety and we do so by campaigning about responsible drinking attitudes so that re-imposition of liquor bans may be avoided, and consumers may continue to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly and moderately.”
ABAPI believes that drinking alcohol, when purchased and consumed responsibly and moderately by those who are above legal drinking age and who choose to drink, can play a positive role in promoting meaningful social connections more so in these extraordinary times. These responsible drinking behaviors include: always drinking in moderation, staying hydrated, tracking alcohol intake, and never drinking and driving.
They said the vast majority of the population consume alcohol responsibly and in many countries, per capita consumption and harmful drinking trends are declining, as such, responsible consumption of alcohol consistent with government guidelines can be part of a balanced lifestyle for adults who choose to drink.
The biz group also advises the public to strictly purchase legitimate products from legal and reputable sources as fake products with inferior quality and standards can be unsafe for consumption.
“Those with limited income are most vulnerable during this crisis as they are most likely to also consume unsafe substitute products. Alcohol produced and sold illegally outside of government regulation could be significantly toxic or harmful to consumers, is of inconsistent quality, and are untaxed. Now more than ever, it is important that safe and responsible drinking guidelines are communicated to the public,” Hans concluded.
Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. (ABAPI) is a non-profit association led by Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Moët Hennessy committed to creating and shaping a better drinking environment in the country.
