The
Association of Canadian Distillers (ACD) is committed to encouraging
responsible attitudes toward the consumption of beverage alcohol
products by promoting consumer education on the equivalency of
these products in terms of alcohol per serving. The ACD also supports
health promotion programs which encourage responsible attitudes
toward beverage alcohol products.
Typical servings of beverage alcohol products each contain identical
amounts of ethyl alcohol:
- Spirits: 1.5 ounces @ 40% alcohol by volume [most whiskies,
vodkas, rums & gins]
- Wine: 5.0 ounces @ 12% alcohol by volume [typical red and
white table wines]
- Beer: 12.0 ounces @ 5% alcohol by volume [typical lagers and
ales]
- Each of the above servings contains exactly 0.6 ounces of
pure ethyl alcohol -- hence, the fact "A Drink Is A Drink Is
A Drink"
Drinking light does not mean drinking wine or beer. It means knowing
the facts about alcohol.
- Choosing light beer [3.9% alcohol by volume] for instance
is drinking light.
- Having a smaller glass of wine is drinking light.
- Pouring a 1 ounce shot of vodka in your highball is drinking
light.
Consumers need to understand equivalency in order to dispel the
myth that drinking certain types of beverage alcohol is more socially
acceptable and responsible than others.
The Association's efforts to educate the public on the "Different
But Equal" message has received praise from Ontario's Addiction
Research Foundation, Health and Welfare Canada and many other
health groups as well as the federal and provincial governments.
The different but equal message has been included in most provincial
driver handbooks.
Many surveys reveal that responsible drinking has the overwhelming
support of the majority of Canadians. Canadians are also interested
in learning more about the health benefits and safety risks associated
with drinking and want relevant information to guide them toward
sensible consumption.
For over half a century, the ACD and its member companies have
demonstrated their commitment to responsible consumption by initiating
and participating in -- (with credible partners in government
and the health care sector) -- educational programs advocating
common sense and responsible use.
