Wearing the Green Jersey with Pride

Wednesday, 13th June 2012

Alcohol Forum Encourages Responsible Alcohol Use as the European Championships Approach

With the 2012 European Soccer Championships upon us, the Alcohol Forum is calling on football fans, at home and in Poland, and those involved in the drinks industry to adopt a safe and sensible approach to alcohol consumption during the three-week tournament.

John O'Kane, Deputy Director of the Alcohol Forum says, "Many people will choose to watch the Euro Championships on the big screen in their local pub, hotel or social club where they can enjoy the buzz and excitement of the matches. Others may opt to stay at home or watch the football in a friend's house.

Meanwhile, thousands of soccer fans will make the trip to Poland to watch the boys in green. So it is very likely that alcohol will be used as part of this social gathering. Our appeal is not to ban alcohol but to enjoy it sensibly so as to prevent harmful drinking and alcohol related incidents.”

The Alcohol Forum wants to ensure that any use of alcohol enhances the social occasion that is the European Championships, and is keen to highlight how this can be achieved.

"We support the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol whether in licensed premises or in the home and we also recognise the valuable social contribution that pubs have traditionally made in Irish society,” says John O'Kane.

The Alcohol Forum is reminding the public of the safe levels of alcohol consumption which will help people make informed choices to protect their long-term health, well-being and safety.

Men should not exceed 21 units of alcohol per week and women should not exceed 14 units per week.

The Alcohol Forum has recently undertaken valuable work to empower the licensed trade to promote safe and responsible alcohol consumption.

"Responsible Server of Alcohol Training” has been developed by the Alcohol Forum as part of its Community Mobilisation project funded by the Cooperation and Working Together Time IV A Change Border Region Alcohol Project.

This training, specifically designed to assist the licensed trade to sell alcohol in a safe and legally compliant manner has been delivered to staff in a number of pubs in Co. Donegal but is currently being rolled out nationally.

The Alcohol Forum can deliver this training upon request and is keen to encourage licensed premises to avail of the training.

Any pub, hotel or social club can request Responsible Server of Alcohol Training for staff, and it will have tangible benefits for the day-to-day running of their premises, enhancing their reputation as a safe place to enjoy a social drink while reducing alcohol related incidents.

For more information on Alcohol Forum log onto alcoholforum.org or find us on facebook and twitter.