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.