Actions to prevent underage drinking

New report highlights progress in preventing underage drinking and calls for continued collective action

Preventing underage drinking is a global priority—and one where sustained efforts are showing real impact. IARD’s latest report shows that underage drinking has declined or remained stable in 59% of 66 countries since 2010, with drops of over 40% in places like the United States, Australia, and Japan.

In response to the UN’s call in 2018, IARD members have taken concrete steps to ensure alcohol is not marketed or sold to minors, including:

• Adding age-restriction messaging to billions of product labels
• Strengthening age screening on digital platforms in partnership with Meta and Google
• Embedding global safeguards to prevent marketing from reaching those underage
• Supporting responsible retail and delivery practices to prevent underage sales

While progress is uneven and data gaps remain, the report reinforces the importance of accurate data, collaboration, and sustained action to protect those under the legal purchase age. With the next UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs approaching, now is the moment to build on this momentum.