Denmark adopts voluntary code of practice on consumption of alcohol

9/2/98

Denmark has joined 12 other Western Australian municipalities in adopting a voluntary code of practice designed to promote responsible consumption of alcohol.

On Saturday, Health Minister Kevin Prince launched the Denmark Alcohol Accord - an agreement between licensees, police and local authorities to encourage and maintain responsible use of alcohol.

"The Denmark Alcohol Accord has sought a collaborative approach in minimising harmful effects of alcohol and unsafe drinking practices which may compromise the enjoyment of leisure and recreation of the entire Denmark community," Mr Prince said.

"It has been based on mutual co-operation and open communication between all people involved."

The townships of Albany and Manjimup established alcohol accords last year and two further accords - in the Pilbara and Northam regions - are expected to be established this year.

"The main objectives of the Denmark accord are to establish guidelines and policies that would be a minimum practice for all persons holding a licence to serve alcohol and a planned reduction in the proportion of 16 to 25-year-olds who drink at unsafe levels," Mr Prince said.

"Other initiatives, designed to achieve those main goals, will include reduced advertising of 'happy hours', responsible staff training, providing non-alcoholic gigs for under 18-year-olds and encouraging the implementation of a designated driver program and greater police liaison.

"These objectives will no doubt assist the community's desire to encourage responsible alcohol use for the safety, enjoyment and wellbeing of its members."

Mr Prince congratulated all the agencies involved in the consultative group which included:

·      the hotel, tavern, and bottle shop;

·      licenced sporting clubs;

·      Denmark Arts Council;

·      the local general practitioner and Denmark District Hospital;

·      Denmark police;

·      Denmark Shire;

·      the Denmark Musicians' Initiative; and -

·      the WA Alcohol and Drug Authority.

"The active participation of these groups should result in a more cohesive approach to maintaining responsible alcohol service in Denmark," Mr Prince said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 92211377