Nightclubs work with HPB to promote responsible drinking

SINGAPORE: To address binge drinking among young adults, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) is partnering with nightclubs to promote responsible drinking.

In partnering outlets like Zirca, service staff will be trained to identify early signs of intoxication, discourage binge drinking and to know when to stop serving alcohol.

Bartenders will also create mocktails as house specialities, as an alternative to alcoholic drinks.

Posters and stickers will be placed in bathrooms to warn patrons about the risks of binge drinking.

In 2010, the National Health Survey showed that 1 per cent of Singaporeans between 18 and 29 years old consume alcohol regularly.

And of that group, 16 per cent are binge—drinkers, which is defined as having four or more standard alcoholic drinks on one occasion for women, and five or more standard alcoholic drinks on one occasion for men.

Since last year, HPB has been staging "Last Man Standing" roves at entertainment outlets during festive periods.

After a breathalyzer test, patrons found to have a safe Blood Alcohol Concentration level will receive rewards such as free movie tickets.

The Board is already working with one training institute (TMS Academy) that currently offers bartending courses to include a module on Responsible Hospitality.

They aim to have all of such training institutes follow suit by the end of 2014.

HPB said young adults who binge drink may do so because they associate drinking with celebration and self—confidence, or that they feel a need to keep up with their peers at social events.

It also warned of long—term consequences associated with binge drinking, such as alcohol addiction, liver disease, kidney damage, stomach ulcers and brain damage.

— CNA/cc