Convenience Stores and MSPs join forces to support Alcohol Awareness Week
3 October 2008
Community convenience stores from Orkney to Dumfries will welcome MSPs into their stores to add support to Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) 2008.
Following the success of last year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) members will host store visits for sixty-seven MSPs, from all political parties, throughout Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from the 5th to 11th October 2008.
Last year AAW focused on getting people to understand the number of units in their drinks, and to consider what this meant for their own consumption in terms of the sensible drinking guidelines. AAW 2008 aims to take the message a step further and build on the success of 2007 campaign. The theme for AAW 2008 is – you can make a positive choice when it comes to drinking alcohol.
A range of ‘Hints & Tips’ have been developed around making positive choices which individuals can make about their own drinking. SGF are encouraging interaction with the campaign through challenging people to sign up to one or more of these choices. The key strap line for the week is: ‘Alcohol Awareness Week – Will you take the challenge?’
John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF said,
“We know that many Scots enjoy alcohol responsibly, but also that alcohol related health problems are on the increase. SGF very much welcome the willingness of MSPs during AAW, to engage with convenience store customers, within their local communities, about the amount of alcohol they consume and to consider sensible drinking guidelines.
“Everyone should seek to play their part in changing the drinking culture in Scotland. To do this our members focus on practical measures they can take in their business which drive up standards. These include taking part in industry initiatives including AAW and Challenge 21.
“In August, SGF members recorded over 20,000 refused alcohol sales in their refusal registers, predominately to underage youngsters, who were unable to provide proof of age when asked by a sales assistant. This is highly responsible and can be directly linked to the considerable resources our members invest in staff training and responsible retail procedures.
“We hope, with the support of MSPs, our customers will understand making positive choices about alcohol consumption doesn’t have to be difficult, and that small changes can have really big benefits.”
Scottish Grocers Federation