Roma liquor accord teach high school students respect
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 12 2010
2010 >>

Minister responsible for liquor regulation Peter Lawlor has today congratulated the Roma Liquor Industry Action Group (LIAG) on its continued commitment to reducing alcohol-fuelled violence by teaching school-aged children about responsible drinking behaviour.

Mr Lawlor said a new education program run by Roma LIAG is teaching local year 12 students about responsible drinking behaviour before they can legally have a drink in a pub.

“The education program is a proactive way of educating students to drink responsibly and minimise harm in and around licensed premises,” Minister Lawlor said.

“The Queensland Government is very supportive of education programs that teach young people the way to behave with alcohol.

“I commend the Roma LIAG, local police and OLGR for taking the time to develop this popular program that leaves students informed and prepared for entering the adult world.”

The Roma LIAG, in conjunction with the Roma district crime prevention unit and the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, held the first session – called ‘think the drink’ – last year to a very receptive audience.

More than 80 students from Roma State College and St John’s School attended the school-day program in 2009, discussing personal responsibilities at licensed venues, standard drinks, schoolies, drink driving and careers in hospitality.

The program is held on rotation at five Roma LIAG members venues, including the Club Hotel-Motel Roma.

Club Hotel-Motel Roma licensee and active member of Roma LIAG since its inception six years ago, Chris Van’t Hof said each participant receives a certificate, an education and a better understanding of what to expect when visiting a licensed venue as an adult.

“At the completion of the program, the students come to understand that when stepping into a pub, they’re stepping into the adult world and there are consequences to their actions here.”

“It’s simple – it’s about respect – this is our house and we expect respect in our house.”

Mr Van’t Hof, who has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, said educating kids on the do’s and don’ts of entering a licensed premises improves the experience for everyone when the students return as adult patrons.

“There’s a bit of misconception out there amongst young people – at the completion of the program I think we get across that it’s not their right to do whatever they want in a pub, there are rules here.”

The next think the drink program will run again in October 2010, before the students head to schoolies.

The recent parliamentary inquiry into alcohol-related violence recommended the continuation of education programs, like this one in Roma, to encourage responsible consumption of alcohol and reduce associated violence.

There are now more than 80 liquor accords across Queensland.


Media contacts
Ministers’ Office: 3225 1005 

Last changed: Aug 12 2010 at 10:32 AM