Evidence suggests that New Year resolutions are more likely to be successful when people commit publicly to them.
In his first video-blog, Henry Ashworth, co-Chair of the Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network, talks about the resolutions being made by the industry and suggests how organisations who have not yet signed up can get involved.
For example, Henry encourages alcohol producers to get on board with the great momentum being made by the industry over the past year – putting essential health information on labels – the unit labelling pledge. With the industry aiming for 80% compliance by the end of 2013, Henry reminds all businesses to check they’re on track to deliver ahead of the audit that will take place early in 2014.
He is also keen that businesses sign up to the unit reduction pledge – which has seen some ambitious initiatives from retailers, bars and clubs and restaurant managers introduced to help remove one billion units of alcohol from the market by 2015. For example, the 30 new lower alcohol beers at 2.8%, the lower alcohol house wines being offered by restaurants, and the introduction of schooners (two thirds of a pint) in bars and clubs.
Henry is also keen that all employers think about whether they have an ‘alcohol in the workplace’ policy, and if not to take the necessary action.
The New Year is an ideal opportunity to publicly commit to the Responsibility Deal pledges – and is one of the best ways to show that you are serious about encouraging responsible drinking and are doing something about it.