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6th October 2009
MSP Promotes Alcohol Awareness in Inverbervie
 North
East MSP Alex Johnstone visited the Scotmid store at
Inverbervie this week as part of Alcohol Awareness Week. The
event, which is organised by the Scottish Grocers Federation
and runs from the 4th to 10th October 2009, allows MSP's to
join forces with a convenience store in their region to
encourage customers to think about the levels of alcohol
they consume and the effect alcohol has on their lifestyle.
Last year the Alcohol Awareness Week
campaign encouraged drinkers, through a range of hints and
tips, to make a positive choice when it came to drinking
alcohol. The theme for this year’s campaign is to drive
awareness amongst Scots and demonstrate that making positive
lifestyle choices, changing drinking habits and drinking
more responsibly will enable them to get more out of their
day, week, and weekend; at work, at home and with friends
and family.
During his visit, the local Conservative
candidate met with Scotmid area manager, Steve Ferguson and
store manager Alan McLeish to discuss the importance of the
promotion of safe drinking and the efforts which are being
made in-store to ensure that alcohol does not get into the
hands of young people.
Speaking after his visit, the MSP said, "
The hard work being done in this store and others throughout
Scotland to promote responsible drinking is vital to the
wellbeing of our young people. Here in Inverbervie, I have
seen at first hand the steps which are being taken to
educate and inform alcohol buyers about the dangers they may
face. This is a prime example of responsible retailing in
action."
"With further restrictions on the sale of
tobacco and cigarettes now likely to be introduced, I also
took the chance to discuss the likely impact of these
restrictions on retailers like Scotmid in Inverbervie. I
believe that they will be up to the challenge but it remains
the duty of politicians to ensure that nothing is done that
will impact on the viability of vital local shops like this
one."
John Drummond, Chief Executive of Scottish
Grocers Federation said, “Consumed in sensible levels,
alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle. However, some
communities are blighted by anti-social behaviour as a
result of irresponsible drinking.
“As key stakeholders in their local
communities our members understand the importance of
fostering a culture of responsible drinking. With the
support of MSPs, local shops look forward to engaging with
their customers and encouraging people to think about the
effect alcohol has on their health and behaviour.
“Everyone in a community has a part to play
in changing the drinking culture in Scotland. It is
important MSPs are aware of the measures our members take in
their stores to be responsible retailers including staff
training, operating a “Challenge 25” policy and other
practical measures plus involvement in industry initiatives
including AAW.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with
MSPs in raising awareness of responsible drinking.”
More information can be found at
www.alcoholawarenessweek.com
Picture shows Alex Johnstone
MSP (Centre) with Scotmid area manager, Steve Ferguson and
store manager Alan McLeish during Monday's visit.
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