Important Alcohol Sectors launch the Philippine Standards Coalition to combat harmful alcohol use

with Edg Adrian A. EvaA reporter

The Philippine Standards Coalition (PSC), which includes leading alcohol producers, e-commerce platforms, and industry associations, launched on Friday a commitment to reduce harmful alcohol consumption in the country.

During the launch event, the alliance signed a pledge to promote responsible marketing and sales practices, bringing together members including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, Brown-Forman, Bacardi, and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO). Other members include Sugbo, Wine, Winery, Singlemalt, Booze Shop, and Flasked.

The PSC is also supported by the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) and the Alcoholic Beverage Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI).

“The launch of the Philippines Standards Coalition demonstrates our industry’s commitment to addressing a key area of ​​alcohol-related harm, which is access to and consumption of alcohol by children (under 18 years of age),” said Siau Xi Goh, APISWA representative. in the statement.

The campaign reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to reduce harmful alcohol consumption to 20% by 2030, in line with the WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030.

For Philippine Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, the launch of the PSC is a big step to bring together stakeholders, the alcoholic beverage industry, sari-sari stores, and other important related industries to promote responsible sales practices.

“Tackling harmful alcohol consumption requires collective action,” said Mr. Gatchalian in a video message.

Recognizing the important role that sari-sari shops play in the distribution of alcohol, this campaign focuses on educating shop owners by training them on their legal and social responsibilities in preventing the sale of alcohol to vulnerable people, especially young people, pregnant women, among others.

At the heart of the training, sari-sari shop owners will learn about various legal requirements, including proper age verification, permits, and licensing of their shops, and the consequences of non-compliance. They will also learn about the effects of alcohol on health and the dangers associated with its misuse.

Since October 25, more than 200 sari-sari shop owners from 13 cities in Metro Manila have been successfully trained in this campaign. PASCO’s 7,000 sari-sari shop owners are expected to follow the training rollout.

Proper sale of alcohol

Sari-sari stores, placed at the last point of sale in the alcohol distribution chain, should promote responsible sales to prevent alcohol consumption among children, said PASCO.

“Sari-sari stores are in the best position to implement responsible sales practices… They can initiate rapid and sustainable changes in drinking culture,” said Joan Hipolito, PASCO Vice President during the launch event.

Since June, more than 27,400 people have died in the Philippines related to alcohol and its effects, including 248 deaths among people aged 15 to 19, according to a statement by the Sin Tax Coalition.

Given that sari-sari shops are deeply rooted in communities and significantly shape the local drinking culture as a place to buy alcohol, Ms. Hipolito stressed that targeting these shops is important to effectively control alcohol consumption among children.

Responsible retailing involves “ethically selling alcoholic beverages, ensuring compliance, and prioritizing public safety,” Ms. Hipolito said.

He also emphasized that the owners of sari-sari shops know their job as small sellers of alcohol; they simply need a catalyst to renew their motivation and take immediate action to protect their communities.