Home> Press releases >Drinkaware receives over £5million in support

Drinkaware receives over £5million in support

14 Dec 2009

The UK drinks industry has made a major commitment to tackling alcohol misuse by providing increased funding for alcohol education charity Drinkaware.

The funding, coupled with an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health, the alcohol industry and The Drinkaware Trust*, will make it possible for Drinkaware to step up its activities while continuing its valuable work providing independent, medically evidenced alcohol education for consumers. The additional funds will be used to amplify current campaigns targeting adults, young adults and under-18s, build its digital presence, and develop more compelling education and information programmes.

Fifty alcohol-related companies including leading producers, pub operators, supermarkets and off-licence companies have committed more than £5 million per year for the next three years to support Drinkaware.

Established as a standalone charity three years ago, Drinkaware’s success continues to grow. Nearly half of UK adults are familiar with the charity, more than 3 billion products every year carry the Drinkaware logo, some 2 million people visit the drinkaware.co.uk website for information each year, and primary care trusts, schools and community drug and alcohol teams regularly use the charity’s educational materials. Armed with continued funding from across the drinks industry, Drinkaware can carry on effecting the cultural change needed to reduce the harm caused by alcohol misuse.

Derek Lewis, Chairman of Drinkaware, says:

“We’re extremely happy to receive broad support from across the drinks industry. The funding from retailers, trade bodies and producers will make it possible for Drinkaware to continue talking to under-18s, young adults and adults about the dangers of alcohol misuse.

“Changing the UK drinking culture won’t happen overnight and we’ve all got a part to play. It’s imperative that the drinks industry, medical and public health community, charities and central and local Government all work together to protect consumers from alcohol related harm.

“With alcohol misuse costing the NHS around £2.7 billion each year, it is essential that consumers are able to make informed decisions about their consumption. Education plays a key role in changing behaviour – and Drinkaware, as a provider of independent medically-validated and accessible information, is in a great position to help effect this change.”
Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health, says:
"With 10 million people drinking more than is good for them, and putting themselves at risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes, there’s no doubt that we still have work to do.
“Government action to tackle alcohol can only succeed if the industry step up to the mark and play their part in changing attitudes and helping people drink responsibly. I am committed to taking decisive yet proportionate steps, at every opportunity, to make it easier for people to drink within the recommended limits.
“Drinkaware have made good progress so far, and it’s encouraging that they can continue with more stable funding.”

[Ends]

For further information please contact:
Becky Medhurst
Communications Officer
DD: 020 7307 7453
Mobile: 078 2797 1740
Email: bmedhurst@drinkaware.co.uk

Notes to Editors

•   Drinks industry funders:

Diageo Great Britain Ltd
Heineken UK
Tesco Stores Ltd
Molson Coors Brewing Company UK
AB-InBev UK Ltd
ASDA Stores Ltd
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
The Co-operative Group
Carlsberg UK Ltd
Wm Morrisons Supermarkets plc
Punch Taverns plc
Mitchells & Butlers
Constellation Europe Limited
Pernod Ricard UK
Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands
Waitrose Ltd
Marks & Spencer plc
J D Wetherspoon plc
Enterprise Inns plc
Marston's PLC
The Edrington Group Ltd/Maxxium UK Ltd
WM Magner Ltd
First Drinks Brands Ltd / William Grant & Sons Ltd
SABMiller plc
Beverage Brands (UK) Ltd
Moet Hennessy UK Ltd
Fosters EMEA Ltd
Whyte and Mackay Ltd
E & J Gallo Winery
Beam Global Spirits & Wine/Maxxium UK Ltd
Majestic Wine Warehouses Ltd
Spar (UK) Limited
Fuller Smith & Turner P.L.C.
Shepherd Neame Ltd
SA Brain & Company Ltd
Bibendum Wine Limited
Young and Co's Brewery P.L.C.
Daniel Thwaites plc
Admiral Taverns Ltd
St Austell Brewery Company Ltd
Inver House Distillers Ltd
Frederic Robinson Ltd
Burns Stewart Distillers Ltd
Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd
Bargain Booze Ltd
Wadworth Co. Ltd
Everards Brewery Ltd
JW Lees & Co (Brewers) Ltd
Charles Wells Ltd
Aldi UK

•   Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk) provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and effect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works with the medical profession, the alcohol industry, government and independent members to achieve its goals.

•   * Drinkaware is registered as The Drinkaware Trust. It is usually referred to as Drinkaware.

•   Memorandum of Understanding:
Strategic objectives: The Trust aims to:
-   Increase Awareness of:
o   Why and how to drink safely & responsibly.
o   The impact of alcohol misuse on society and on the health & well-being of individuals, their families and communities.
-   Improve Attitude towards:
o   Motivation & personal responsibility to drink safely & responsibly; and
o   The unacceptability of binge drinking & drink related disorder.
-   Effect positive changes in Behaviour related to alcohol consumption.

Page last updated by: Root User, 19 Apr 2010.