Scottish youngsters complete pioneering BII course

Twenty teenagers have been presented with certificates after completing a pioneering course about alcohol awareness.

The youngsters, aged between 14 and 19, all took part in the BII course at James Watt College in Greenock.

The Scottish Certificate in Alcohol Awareness (SCAA) aims to increase awareness about social, economic and health impacts of alcohol as well as the importance of the licensed trade to the economy.

BII has developed the SCAA through its awarding body BIIAB.

Alice Cardwell-Hodges, BIIAB international development director, said: "On a national level, by the end of 2008 around 6,000 young people will have taken this valuable qualification, which is being delivered in over 130 venues throughout the UK. By the end of 2009 we expect this figure to have trebled."

Jen Marshall, head of hospitality, tourism and sport at James Watt College, said: "The course is already on offer in England through colleges and schools and if the project here is a success we would like to roll it out to schools in the local area once funding becomes available."

The course covers issues including the nature of alcohol and the different strengths of alcoholic drinks; how alcohol affects the body, the dangers of binge-drinking and the risks of irresponsible drinking to sexual health.

It also looks at how the licensed trade promotes responsible drinking while contributing to the local and national economy.