Media Release

07 October 2008

Restaurants, Pubs and Clubs Take Control

Staff at Taranaki licensed premises are arming themselves with skills to deal with intoxicated patrons.

About 30 staff from pubs, clubs and restaurants are taking part in a three-day training programme in Stratford. The training will be held on 6,7 and 8 October at the Stratford and Districts RSA.

The focus of the training is on promoting a safe environment for patrons. Participants will learn effective and assertive communication skills, professional work standards and self defense.  Legal rights of staff will also be discussed, with the Trespass Act, Crimes Act and Sale of Liquor Act being covered.

TDHB Health Promoter Nita Brown says the training is one of many strategies to reduce alcohol related harm in the community. It is designed to up-skill licensees, managers, glassies, bar staff and door security staff on their role as responsible hosts in their licensed premise. It is vital for staff to take control and continue to gain new skills and knowledge to become successful in the industry, she says. 

“Staff will develop their knowledge and skill of assertive communication to be confident to handle any situation that arises on their premise,” Ms Brown says. “They will learn how to keep themselves and their patrons safe from alcohol related harm.”

The free training is organised by TDHB’s Health Promotion Unit and Taranaki’s Youth Access to Alcohol, which includes representatives from the Police, ACC, Safer Community Council, Sport Taranaki and Taranaki’s three district councils.

For more information or if you would like to interview the training facilitator on Wednesday please call TDHB Health Promoter Nita Brown on 753 7777 x 8648 or 0211 504 817.