Press Release – Alcohol Beverages Council The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) says declining alcohol consumption in New Zealand is a trend seen globally, even with an ongoing pandemic. The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), of which NZABC is a member, found new data … The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) says declining alcohol consumption in New Zealand is a trend seen globally, even with an ongoing pandemic. The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), of which NZABC is a member, found new data from over 100 countries shows consumers worldwide bought 15.8 billion fewer litres of alcohol beverages in the past year.[i] Lockdowns, closure of hospitality venues, and restrictions on socialising with friends and family contributed to alcohol sales volumes declining by more than 6%, but studies have also shown people are choosing to drink less.