Town's responsible approach to drink
Bars in central Mansfield are paying for up to 300 hosts and pub staff throughout the town to receive training on responsible retailing.
Funding for the BII's Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing comes from the Heart of Mansfield Fund, which is supported by the Home Office and local police.
Several town-centre pubs and nightclubs voluntarily pay a weekly amount into the Fund.
The amount varies from £20 for food outlets to £100 to nightclubs.
The money funds schemes to improve nightlife in the Nottinghamshire town - including three extra police officers to patrol on Saturday nights.
It also pays for "roaming door staff" on Fridays and Saturdays, when door supervisors move from venue to venue, checking premises that can't afford security all evening.
In addition, the fund has paid for special wipes that can be used to check for cocaine in premises.
Information posters and radio ads have also been paid for by the Fund, which is supported by the Home Office, Mansfield Police and the Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues (MALV).
MALV chairman Paul Anderton said: "These training courses will help our members and their staff when adopting their 'early intervention' policy and will benefit everyone involved including the customer.
"This initiative is just a small part of the bigger picture we are trying to create, one that is a safer, yet vibrant Mansfield town centre."
Training is provided by Poppleston Allen. The law firm's training and consultancy manager David Elphick said: "I believe this action sets a new standard for others to follow."
Mansfield Division Licensing Officer Dougie Gardner said: "I'm sure this initiative will help [staff] do their jobs more effectively and responsibly."
The first course was is to be held today (14 March) and the second will be on 23 March.
Cathie Smith, Director of BIIAB said: "I was delighted to read about bars in central Mansfield paying for up to 300 hosts and pub staff throughout the town to take the BIIAB Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing. This shows a real commitment to responsible retailing and demonstrates how to tackle issues related to the sale of alcohol in a positive manner.
"The BIIAB Level 1 Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing qualification is designed for anyone working in any licensed retail premises, from supermarkets to convenience stores, and who is directly involved in the sale of alcohol. The qualification provides essential knowledge and understanding of the law and the social responsibilities surrounding the retail sale of alcohol.
"BIIAB would be very happy to help any other companies, local authorities or police forces to set up similar schemes in their locality. Please arrange to meet with a Client Development Director by speaking to the Client Development Secretary on 01276 684449."
