Program to teach smarter drinking

A smart drinking campaign has been launched in Far North Queensland to help alcohol consumers drink safely while having a night out.

The campaign was launched by Australian social change organisation DrinkWise and the Queensland Hotels Association on Monday in a new initiative to remind Queenslanders about the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption.

DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan said the initiative included new safe-drinking materials in venues including stickers with QR codes to allow people to access support services.

“We want to encourage and foster environments that are really welcoming, but also environments where people know they need to respect one another,” Mr Strahan said.

“We want to really make sure that if they are having trouble managing their consumption, that they can reach out to the many support services on offer.”

Mr Strahan said it was great to see the initiative was also supported by local government, the North Queensland Cowboys and community groups.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning supported the campaign calling it a “great step in the right direction.”

“These DrinkWise materials will serve as consistent reminders to those customers who choose to drink, to do so responsibly and to socialise in a respectful manner,” he said.

“They also remind customers that if they or someone they know needs help and support managing alcohol consumption there are some great support services available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”

Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan said it was important for hotels to be part of the campaign as part of an industry-led plan.