Youth drink up life lesson

YOUNG people of the Clarence Valley are getting a better idea of responsible service and consumption of alcohol, thanks to the Grafton Liquor Accord.

The Grafton Liquor Accord has obtained a Community Development and Support Expenditure grant to fund responsible service of alcohol training at schools. Picture: Lou O'Brien

YOUNG people of the Clarence Valley are getting a better idea of responsible service and consumption of alcohol, thanks to the Grafton Liquor Accord, in conjunction with CHS Training.

The accord, an association of like-minded licensees, has obtained a Community Development and Support Expenditure grant, from poker machine revenue, to fund responsible service of alcohol training at schools.

The funding should enable around 100 students to complete their RSA qualification through CHS Training, and also to pass on to their peers what they have learnt about appropriate behaviour around alcohol.

"As part of this six-hour accredited course, a Grafton Liquor Accord member comes along and speaks to the students directly about the role the accord plays in keeping venues and the community safe," said Melissa Hayes, of CHS Training.

"The member also speaks about the new Patron Code of Conduct and the expectations of our local operators when people are enjoying a night out.

"CHS Training is doing two courses this week, with students from Grafton High and McAuley Catholic College, and we feel this initiative by the accord shows how the members are investing back into the Clarence community and the youth of our area."

Accord secretary Leanne Bryant said there had been a good response from the students so far and she hoped the training would be ongoing, depending on funding.

"We are not going to reach all the kids with this scheme, but if we get to those who have an appreciation of the situation, then that's a good start," she said.

"We're hoping the courses will help provide students with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities that apply to both the suppliers and the consumers of alcohol.

"Members of the Grafton Liquor Accord like to keep abreast of the local community.

"We like to know the local issues and convey our thoughts on to the kids

"We point out to them some of the pressures we are under when young patrons are having a good night out and help them to understand the difficulties and consequences of inappropriate behaviour."

Originally published as Youth drink up life lesson