International Breweries Intensifies Campaign for ‘Responsible Drinking’

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) has stressed responsible drinking, just as it drew the curtain for its year- long Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) campaign in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

RBS, an initiative of AB InBev Foundation aimed to discourage harmful use of alcohol as well as mitigate alcohol-related harms such as drunk driving, underage drinking, binge drinking and alcohol consumption by pregnant women. 

The initiative was able to deliver targeted trainings to bar owners and managers in comprehensive sessions, as well as engaged local communities via initiatives like clean-up exercise. 

There were also health sensitisation sessions for pregnant women and those of reproductive age at selected health centres and educational institutions in Rivers State. 

Overall, the project impacted up to 9,667 persons directly and an estimated 101,663, amounting to about five per cent of the population of target Local Government Areas.

More so, over 302 proprietors and administrators of alcohol service establishments were equipped with tools and knowledge to effectively implement responsible beverage service. About 387 servers, bar attendants, and security personnel were equally trained on RBS practices, resulting in improved service delivery in the hospitality sector. 

Speaking at the event, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, IBPLC, Taiye Tunkarimu, reiterated the vision of the initiative to promote healthy consumption. 

He said, “Our commitment goes beyond making great products and profits; it’s about ensuring our products are consumed responsibly because we thrive when our communities thrive. 

“We are satisfied with the outcome of this intervention where we have been able to train 689 people in the two years of running the programme in Lagos and Rivers states. Our training initiatives are evidence-based and backed by an evaluation and monitoring system that helps us to record progress made.” 

Commenting, one of the beneficiaries and hotel owner, James Ogunro commended the company for equipping him with skills enabling him to effectively engage customers.