ABL Integrated Responsibility Initiatives

ABL Members as Community Leaders in Addressing Societal Problems of Alcohol Abuse

¨ ABL has developed an "Integrated Responsibility Initiatives" (IRI) program. The desire for such a program was born out of a spirit of responsible practices and the continuing desire by ABL to take on a leadership role in confronting societal problems of alcohol abuse.

¨ The ABL Board of Directors, at their meeting in Alexandria , VA in June 2005, approved the IRI program. A "Retailer's Responsibility Code" is currently being developed and will eventually augment the current program.

¨ The ABL Integrated Responsibility Initiatives (IRI) program is a union of the many approaches and ways that ABL and its members are addressing societal problems of alcohol abuse. It moves the many aspects of ABL's responsibility efforts under one tent and into a broader context.

¨ The IRI program is a tangible and palpable strategy that can be referenced when the question is asked, “What are beverage alcohol retailers doing to promote responsibility and address the issues of drunk driving and underage drinking?”

¨ The IRI program includes four “pillars” of responsibility- Community, Third-Party, Education and Legislative Partnerships- into ABL's efforts. By incorporating all of these factors, ABL recognizes that societal problems of alcohol abuse need to be addressed on multiple fronts.

¨ ABL understands that those closest to the situation- states and municipal groups- know what specific issues need to be addressed and encourages them to adopt practices that will best reflect the specific laws and regulations of their communities.

¨ ABL supports the independent nature of its many members but also recognizes that while they may be competing with their colleagues for business, alcohol awareness and safety are two things that bring them together.

¨ 65 percent of underage individuals who drink obtain alcohol from family and friends. ABL members are in a unique position to inform adult customers about the consequences of providing minors with beverage alcohol.

• IRI News Release
• Integrated Responsibility Initiatives