Brewer holds meet on abuse

 ALCOHOL abuse can be minimised with responsible service from sellers, a brewery says.

SP Brewery is running a workshop in Port Moresby to train staff of licensed liquor distributors ranging from managers to security guards to practise responsible sales.

The training headed by business relations manager Kola Geri is aimed at discouraging sales to the underage, preventing damage or loss and protecting business and the public.

Participants are briefed on liquor licensing laws and their duties in regard to the laws and advised on how to refuse intoxicated consumers so that they are understood and can avoid conflict.

Geri said the issue of sales to minors and that regulating this in PNG was made harder by the fact that it was mere guesswork when it came to age.

Participants were reminded that not all customers would appreciate responsible serving but must understand that they and everyone else involved were protected when someone took a responsible stand.

Geri said the workshop was free upon the request of licensed hotels and clubs.

“It’s still relatively new. Most companies don’t know about it and we are still looking to get a professional trainer in for the job,” he said.

A few hotels that have undergone training are the Grand Papua, Lamana and Gateway and others are encouraged to follow.