Drinkaware unveils scheme to help Shoreditch drinkers stay safe

By Nikkie Sutton

- Last updated on GMT

Support on hand: the Drinkaware Crew aims to help the young people of Shoreditch, east London
Support on hand: the Drinkaware Crew aims to help the young people of Shoreditch, east London

Related tags Alcoholism

Drinkaware has launched a scheme aimed at keeping young people safe while on a night out, in partnership with Shoreditch Pubwatch.

Shoreditch venues, the Village Underground and Cargo are introducing staff, specifically trained by Drinkaware known as Drinkaware Crew.

Meanwhile, employees from other east London venues Zigfrid von Underbelly and Trapeze have completed Drinkaware’s alcohol vulnerability awareness e-learning course.

The e-learning course has been designed to give bar staff in smaller venues, the skills and knowledge to identify alcohol-related vulnerability and to support customers who are at risk from harm.

Finding new and innovate ways to reduce harm

The practical knowledge can be used to take venue-wide approaches to dealing with alcohol risk and vulnerability.

Drinkaware chief executive Elaine Hindal outlined the alcohol charity’s outcome for the scheme and how the Drinkaware Crew will be helping venues.

She said: “Drinkaware is committed to finding new and innovative ways to reduce the harms caused by alcohol and to help keep people safe on a night out.

“Building on its success in other parts of the UK, Drinkaware Crew in Shoreditch will carry out a vital role in supporting vulnerable people while minimising the associated costs that drunken behaviour can have on the local night-time economy.

“Drinkaware’s innovate e-learning course, to help venue employees understand the risks associated with excessive drinking, is part of a wider programme of Drinkaware initiatives and projects that aim to help reduce the harmful effects of drunkenness on the night-time economy, to the benefit of the industry and consumers."

Putting customer wellbeing first

She added: “London’s night-time businesses contribute significantly to the capital’s economy and Drinkaware is delighted to be working with its Shoreditch partners to help customers enjoy their night out safely and securely.”

Chair of Shoreditch Pubwatch and Cargo licensing consultant Paul Merry lauded the collaboration with Drinkaware.

He said: “We are excited for Shoreditch to be the first area in London to introduce the Drinkaware Crew to Cargo and the Village Underground.

“We are always keen to put customer wellbeing first and the crew will enable customers to have an even better night out.

“Along with the Drinkaware alcohol vulnerability awareness e-learning course introduced to staff from Roadtrip, Zigfrid von Underbelly, Trapeze, Shoreditch and Pubwatch are dedicated to supporting customers who may need assistance while on a night out.”

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