Responsible Retailing Forum and Better Drinking Culture to Address Culture of Binge Drinking in College and University Communities
Source: RRF
January 28, 2019
The Responsible Retailing Forum (RRForum) and Better Drinking Culture (BDC) announce their strategic alliance to develop a program for college and university communities to shift the paradigm of alcohol use from binge to moderate drinking.
Better Drinking Culture is a grassroots movement based upon the principles that alcohol should be a choice–not an expectation, that drinking and abstinence are both appropriate individual choices, and that drinking, if chosen, can best be enjoyed when consumed mindfully, in moderation, and within one’s own personal limits-as BDC’s tagline confidently admits, “Because Hangovers Suck.” BDC is driven by (1) “Tribe members” who share their experiences with alcohol, and their view of moderate drinking as “aspirational,” and 2) on-premise alcohol establishments that demonstrate their commitment to alcohol responsibility and to providing safe social spaces.
According to BDC co-founder Camden Brieden, BDC will have a positive impact within college communities, helping to empower healthier choices regarding consumption (i.e., moderation with the intent of mindful drinking), and shift our culture’s relationship with alcohol in a healthier and more positive direction. BDC believes a better drinking culture will have a direct impact on individuals’ health and relationships, as well as protect the viability of communities and profitability of their businesses.
RRForum has developed evidence-based programs under the NIH Small Business Innovation Research program to improve compliance with underage and alcohol over-service laws, including the College Alcohol Responsibility Program developed in a project with the International Town & Gown Association. “We have successfully engaged alcohol beverage licensees and their industry partners to work collaborative with college and community health and safety agencies,” explains Brad Krevor, RRForum President. “What has been missing until now is a way to engage students and young residents in college communities. BDC speaks to the large number of students who may drink but want to maximize their college education and associated social experiences.”
BDC has shown positive traction in earning support of their philosophy and existing programs. They’ve gained momentum in already having collaborated with the likes of Brown-Forman, Kentucky Distillers’ Association, National Beer Wholesalers Association, Heineken, Drizly, University of Kentucky, and others. And, they continue to get requests from beverage alcohol industry stakeholders and student organizations from colleges nationwide to present their progressive approach and share their innovative thinking.
The RRForum – BDC strategic alliance emerges from the STRATERUS Alliance for Safe College Communities, a national initiative to bring evidence-based solutions, and a sense of urgency, to the challenges that alcohol abuse poses to college communities.