Portsmouth pubs asked to sponsor kids on alcohol course

Portsmouth licensees are being asked to give £50 to sponsor a child to complete an alcohol awareness award.

The BIIAB award, for 13-16 year-olds, is designed to educate young people about the impact of alcohol on their health, career and social life. It will also cover the positive impact that the industry has on the economy.

Ten hours training will be provided for the youngster, followed by an exam.

Portsmouth's principal trading standards officer Neil Fitzpatrick said: "This is an opportunity for licensed premises to demonstrate they care about their communities.

"Sponsoring a child costs just £50 and could make a tremendous difference to that young person's perception of alcohol."

He flagged up "dramatic improvements" in test purchase failure rates after new training schemes were offered to venues.

"But there is a need to educate our young people to achieve further sustained improvements in underage drinking over the longer term."

Portsmouth City Council did not comment on take-up of the scheme so far, other than revealing the New Kwikmart in Albert Road is the first business to sign up — it will pay for 10 youngsters.

Bill Dearsley, Portsmouth City Pubwatch chairman, gave the scheme a cautious welcome.

"It looks to be an interesting idea and although I haven't seen the course content, I would assume it to be very beneficial to young people.

"I am, however, cautious about the growing trend nationally of expecting the licensed trade to fund more and more projects such as taxi marshals, policing for under-18 events and other 'special' events."

Research from 2009 found that 78% of graduates agree or strongly agree that they're more likely to be a responsible drinker after attending the course.