Freshers week: Drinkaware Crew engage with customers outside Thelka, in Bristol

 

As thousands of pubs, clubs and bars gear up for the start of the new academic year in September, alcohol education charity Drinkaware is urging operators to make sure they’re creating a safe environment for their student customers, particularly freshers.

Drinkaware director of business development and partnerships, Rommel Moseley, said: “Many students enjoy alcohol responsibly during freshers’/refreshers’ Week without causing any harm to themselves or others.

“However, the sheer number of students visiting pubs, clubs and bars at the start of term inevitably means a raised likelihood of alcohol harms. Responsible operators will want to create an environment that both helps students to moderate their alcohol consumption, and supports those who might become vulnerable after drinking too much.

“Freshers are particularly vulnerable, being away from home and family, perhaps for the first time, in a new city, with a new group of friends who may have different drinking behaviours. In this period of adjustment, it’s easy for things to go wrong.”

 

E-learning course

 

He added: “We’d encourage operators to put plans in place now for freshers’ week, and explore the resources Drinkaware can offer, which include our Drinkaware Crew teams and Alcohol Vulnerability Awareness e-learning course for staff members.”

Both Drinkaware Crew training, which has now been delivered in 21 areas across the country, and the e-learning course, can help staff to recognise and deal with the drunken sexual harassment that has become an unwelcome part of a night out for many young people.

To tackle the issue, Drinkaware last autumn launched ‘It’s OK to Ask’, a campaign encouraging bystanders to intervene safely when they witness sexual harassment.

Rommel added: “Operators can play their part by supporting bystanders who come to them for help and by taking the issue seriously, helping to foster a positive and safe social environment where drunken sexual harassment is not tolerated.”