DrinkWise and key Queensland stakeholders including the QHA have launched a new initiative to remind patrons about the importance of moderating alcohol consumption and always being respectful.
The Always Respect initiative aims to clearly set expectations around acceptable behaviour in licensed venues, utilising themed posters, coasters and digital assets around moderation, respect and responsibility.
DrinkWise’s Attitudinal and Behavioural Research (2021) revealed a higher proportion of Queenslanders (34 per cent) are significantly more likely to drink at risky* levels when compared with the national average (28 per cent).
This latest campaign expands upon the organisation’s ongoing education efforts in Queensland, which increased after the research’s findings. It is in conjunction with Queensland Police, Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Mr Michael Healy, Mayor of Cairns Cr Bob Manning OAM, the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA), Clubs Queensland and the North Queensland Cowboys.
Beyond moderation, the education campaign reinforces that if people are having trouble managing their consumption or behaviour, asking for help is okay. Support services on offer include Lives Lived Well, ReachOut, 13YARN, 1800RESPECT, DVConnect and Men’s Referral Service.
“While the majority of Australians are choosing to drink within the recommended government guidelines, there are still some who are drinking at risky levels, engaging in anti-social behaviour or turning to alcohol as a coping strategy, which is why we’re increasing our efforts in Queensland,” explains Simon Strahan, CEO of DrinkWise.
Always Respect material has now begun to be displayed in 24 pubs, bars and bottleshops throughout central Cairns, expanding to 93 locations across the broader Cairns, Mount Isa and Townsville regions, and in Clubs Queensland venues across the state in coming weeks.
“This is an important initiative that will also help set expectations for the 2.8 million visitors from across the globe who holiday here each year with us,” expressed Michael Healy, Member for Cairns.
Messages covering moderation, mental health and support service social media have been tailored for specific audiences.
“It is important that QHA are helping promote messages that encourage conversations about mental health, with pubs integral to our regional Queensland communities,” stresses Bernie Hogan, QHA Chief Executive.
“We want to ensure that as our customers come together at licensed venues, to socialise, have a meal, catch up with friends and family, they have a great time and they also use these opportunities to talk about local issues and support each other.”
*Risky drinking is classified as consumption of 10 or more standard drinks per week, or more than four standard drinks during a day.
