The Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines Inc. (ABAPI) is appealing to consumers to observe “responsible” drinking to avoid the imposition of liquor bans that has impacted its members’ sales.
In a statement, ABAPI also urged the public to buy only legitimate alcoholic drinks for health and safety.
ABAPI said drinking alcohol should be purchased and consumed responsibly and moderately by those who are above legal drinking age and who choose to drink.
These responsible drinking behaviors include: always drinking in moderation, staying hydrated, tracking alcohol intake, and never drinking and driving.
Several Metro Manila cities have re-imposed liquor bans after the national government placed the region under modified enhanced community quarantine.
ABAPI president Kavita Hans said an enhanced campaign on responsible drinking would avoid re-imposition of liquor bans while ensuring consumers can continue to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly and moderately.
ABAPI also said the public should 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,” Hans said.
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.
ABAPI is a non-profit association led by Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Moí«t Hennessy.
