GAA issue alcohol guidelines to clubs

The GAA has issued guidelines in relation to drinks promotions in club bars.

The GAA's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme continues to grow in its influence and scope with more and more clubs looking to actively engage with its message of health promotion and harm reduction.

A document titled 'Guidelines for Responsible Serving of Alcohol in a GAA Club setting' reads: 'It is acknowledged that legally licensed premises adhering to the relevant legislation can become an enjoyable social hub for club members while generating valuable revenue for some of our units.

'However, it is imperative that activities carried out on such premises remain in line with best practice guidelines in relation to the responsible serving of alcohol.'

The GAA aims to cut out the practice of 'happy hour' in clubs which contributes to binge-drinking.

'National and international guidelines discourage the practice of price reductions for specific time periods (for example during televised sporting events), two-for-one drink offers, or any promotions that encourages an increased consumption of alcohol over a reduced period of time (happy hours).

'Such promotions serve to increase the likelihood of what is commonly referred to as 'binge-drinking', or excessive drinking over a short period. This not only results in increased intoxication, but research has also shown that 'binge-drinking' impacts negatively on an individual's health in both the short and the long term.'

To reinforce the healthy ethos of the GAA, the Management Committee passed the following guidelines regarding alcohol drink promotions last Friday:

'GAA clubs with licensed premises are asked to observe responsible selling of alcohol at all times.

'Under no circumstances are alcoholic drinks promotions - the likes of which are outlined above - to be carried out in licensed GAA premises.

'Text messaging services, club websites and Social Media are not to be used to issue any information to club members relating to alcohol promotions on GAA club grounds, or elsewhere.'

Further details on the GAA's ASAP programme (including a copy of the GAA's sample Club Drug and Alcohol policy) can be found at www.gaa.ie/asap/ and, if required, appropriate training in the responsible serving of alcohol can be facilitated for GAA club bar staff.

Source: hoganstand.com