Think the Drink 2011

Later this month, and for the fifth successive year, the Eurobodalla Liquor Accord will subsidise the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training for Year 12 students in the Eurobodalla.

Coordinated on behalf of the Accord by Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Karen Sydenham, theThink the Drinkprogram aims to educate youth on the laws and responsibilities associated with serving and consuming alcohol at licensed venues.

"It also provides information about the responsibilities placed on patrons and staff," Ms Sydenham said. "When they reach their 18th birthday, participating students will receive an RSA certificate that can be used to enhance career opportunities in the hospitality industry."

Eurobodalla Liquor Accord President, Lachlan Bate, says the Accord is committed to educating youth on the dangers of binge drinking to their health and the welfare of others.

"The program also educates youth about the illegal supply of alcohol to minors and teaches them how to be responsible young adults when it comes to alcohol," said Mr Bate.

He says the students will walk away from the program with information on what is a standard drink; knowledge that blood alcohol content can still be over the limit several hours after their last drink and the laws about being asked to leave a licensed venue if a patron is intoxicated, violent or quarrelsome.

Regrettably, Mr Bate said 2011 could be the last year the Accord will implement this program.

"New charges have been introduced by the state government that adds an extra $70 to the cost of the RSA certificate," he said. "Think the Drink is funded by local clubs and Woolworths Liquor to the tune of $8000 per annum but this new charge will make the program unsustainable."

The NSW government is, however, looking into an educational resource tool that can be rolled out via schools across NSW. "We will know the outcome by the end of the year," Mr Bate said.

Reference

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