Free Serve Smart Alcohol Training Launches Across Mid and East Antrim

A new free online training programme called Serve Smart will launch across Mid and East Antrim this September. The scheme will help staff in pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences make informed decisions about responsible alcohol service.

A new Serve Smart alcohol training programme is being launched across Mid and East Antrim to help staff working in licensed premises promote responsible drinking and deal safely with challenging situations.

The initiative is being launched by Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with ASCERT and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The free online training will become available during September and is aimed at people working in pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences across the borough.

What is Serve Smart alcohol training?

Serve Smart was developed by ASCERT as part of the Mid and East Antrim PCSP Drugs and Alcohol Programme.

The programme will provide practical guidance covering:

• Alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland
• Recommended drinking guidelines
• The effects of alcohol on the body
• The wider impact of alcohol-related harm
• Responsible alcohol service
• Identifying potential risks
• Managing difficult situations safely
• Creating safer environments for customers and staff

Organisers say the training should give workers more confidence when making difficult decisions around the sale and service of alcohol.

More information about Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and its services is available on the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council website.

Tackling alcohol-related harm

The PCSP said alcohol remains the most widely used drug in society.

While alcohol forms part of many social occasions, misuse can contribute to crime, anti-social behaviour, public disorder and dependency.

These problems can affect individuals, families and communities. They can also place additional pressure on police, emergency departments and other frontline services.

Serve Smart forms part of the PCSP’s wider community safety programme and aims to help create safer licensed premises while reducing alcohol-related harm across Mid and East Antrim.

PCSP says licensed premises need support

Councillor Tyler Hoey, Chair of Mid and East Antrim PCSP, said the need for additional support had been identified through the Mid and East Antrim PCSP Drugs and Alcohol Steering Group.

The steering group includes statutory, community and voluntary organisations working together to address drug and alcohol issues across the borough.

Cllr Hoey said:

“Our work is focused on prevention and early intervention through key networks, information sharing and providing training opportunities across the Borough.”

He added:

“As a PCSP, we felt it important to provide support to staff working in licensed premises, whether that was pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences. Serve Smart will give these staff the confidence to make difficult decisions, knowing that they are promoting responsible alcohol service.”

Alcohol-related incidents can affect businesses

According to figures included in the announcement, 65% of respondents to a Northern Ireland survey reported reaching or exceeding the recommended daily drinking level on at least one occasion during the previous week.

The release also highlights significant health risks associated with alcohol, including an increased risk of seven types of cancer.

Alcohol-related incidents can also have serious consequences for licensed premises, including:

• Violence towards staff
• Increased sickness absence
• Higher insurance costs
• Accident claims
• Loss of business
• Licence reviews
• Potential prosecution

ASCERT says Serve Smart will provide practical support

Colin Robinson, ASCERT Training Services Manager, said the organisation was pleased to work with Mid and East Antrim PCSP and the PSNI on the initiative.

He said:

“We are delighted to be working with Mid & East Antrim PCSP and the PSNI to deliver this innovative initiative, providing practical training resources for licensees, managers and staff across the licensed trade.”

Serve Smart videos will be available to licensees, managers and staff working in pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences throughout the borough.

PSNI officers will also engage directly with businesses to promote the training.

Mr Robinson said that while alcohol sales are governed by legislation, there is currently no legal requirement in Northern Ireland for staff to receive training on alcohol-related harm or responsible serving practices.

He said Serve Smart aims to address this by equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence to promote responsible drinking, identify potential risks and help create safer environments for customers.

ASCERT hopes the programme could eventually become a model of best practice which could be replicated across Northern Ireland.

More information about ASCERT and its work is available at ASCERT.

PSNI supports Serve Smart alcohol training

Sergeant Wickham-Thomas, a PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Officer, said alcohol sales are important to the local economy and jobs market.

He said most people drink responsibly but stressed that this must be balanced against the potential harm caused by alcohol.

“Alcohol consumption is a significant factor in incidents occurring in the evening and night and in public places.”

He added that alcohol has a wider impact on communities and frontline services, including police and emergency departments.

The PSNI is working alongside ASCERT, Mid and East Antrim PCSP and town centre management teams to develop and promote the training.

More information about policing and community safety is available on the PSNI website.

How to access Serve Smart training

Serve Smart training materials will be accessed through a QR code included in an information leaflet.

The leaflet will be distributed to licensed premises throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Businesses that would like to request a leaflet, find out more about Serve Smart or get information about other PCSP programmes can contact:

Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

More Mid and East Antrim news

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