CAN TRAINING BAR STAFF IN RESPONSIBLE SERVING PRACTICES REDUCE ALCOHOL-RELATED HARM

A responsible service training programme aimed at reducing alcohol-rel ated harm was implemented in a popular entertainment area over several months in 1992-93. Another popular entertainment area provided a cont rol site. A number of evaluation measures were used: breath tests on 8 72 patrons from selected venues; drink driving data; risk assessments; the use of 'pseudo patrons'; and knowledge and attitude changes among trained bar staff (n = 88). Compared to control sites the interventio n sites showed an immediate pre-to post-test reduction in patrons rate d by researchers as extremely drunk and an eventual reduction from pre -test to follow-up in patrons with blood alcohol levels > = 0.08. Ther e was also a small but significant increase in knowledge among bar sta ff. There was no significant reduction in patrons with blood alcohol l evels > = 0.15 or in the number of drink driving offences from interve ntion sites during the study period. Pseudo drunk patrons were rarely refused service, identification was rarely checked and non-photographi c identification was accepted on most occasions. The less than satisfa ctory outcome is attributed to poor implementation of the training and a lack of support among managers. The positive results from one venue , whose manager embraced the programme, served to highlight the import ance of management support. It is suggested that mandatory training an d routine enforcement of licensing laws are essential if the goals of responsible serving are to be met.