IF A proposal by the Tamworth and District Liquor Accord goes ahead, local high school students could receive vital information to assist them in making safe decisions around alcohol before they enter our pubs and clubs.
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In a bold new proposal by the accord, representatives are hoping to move into local schools to arm young people about to turn 18 with the knowledge on the rules and regulations of the local liquor industry.
It is one of a number of initiatives newly elected accord chairman Nick Weir hopes to achieve, with talks also underway for a possible local television education campaign in the future to spread the message further.
“I’m being very proactive about it in my new role,” Mr Weir told The Leader.
“It (the TV advertisements) was mentioned in the accord meeting, it would be something local and small to begin with -it’s on the cards,” he said.
“I’ve already contacted a few local school principals about doing talks in schools next year, that’s being strengthened by my involvement in the crime prevention committee – council has thrown their support behind the idea.”
Mr Weir said he hoped to target young people at the impressionable age where they are about to enter licensed venues for the first time. “It’s more about the kids about to enter the realm of alcohol usage,” he said.
“It’s about being respectful to each other and well behaved in a public place. Also knowing what to expect and getting the best experience possible out of it without suffering from the pitfalls that a lot of kids who aren’t ready for it do.”
Mr Weir said the main message he wanted to instill in young people was respect.
“Respect is part of the whole thing, to respect alcohol, to respect each other when you’re out and having a drink and to have the knowledge of what alcohol does to your body and your mind,” he said.
Mr Weir said in the lead up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival the accord was working with the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing to offer refresher courses for responsible service of alcohol.