Convenience Store in Broadloan Renfrew Welcomes Wendy in Support of Alcohol Awareness Week

Throughout Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from the 5th to 11th October 2008, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) members have linked MSPs with a convenience store in their constituency or region to highlight Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW).

Last year AAW focused on getting people to understand the number of units in their drinks, and to consider what this meant for their own consumption in terms of the sensible drinking guidelines. AAW 2008 aims to take the message a step further and build on the success of 2007 campaign. The theme for AAW 2008 is – you can make a positive choice when it comes to drinking alcohol.

A range of ‘Hints & Tips’ have been developed around making positive choices which individuals can make about their own drinking. SGF members are encouraging interaction with the campaign through challenging people to sign up to one or more of these choices. The key strap line for the week is: ‘Alcohol Awareness Week – Will you take the challenge?’

Wendy Alexander MSP, said,
“In Scotland we need to bring about a culture change, where responsible alcohol consumption, for those who choose to drink, is recognised as being compatible with a healthy lifestyle, and inappropriate drinking is no longer acceptable.”

“I congratulate SGF members for their support of Alcohol Awareness Week, which promotes responsible drinking through its range of simple hints and tips including trying a lower alcohol beer or having some food before you drink.”

Additionally, Keystores are providing a free 500ml bottle of water with every alcohol transaction (while stocks last) throughout Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW).

“It proves that making positive choices about alcohol consumption does not have to be difficult but can have really big benefits.”

SGF Chief Executive John Drummond said,
“We have been delighted by the response from Wendy Alexander to our invitation to support AAW in a convenience store.”
“We know that many Scots enjoy alcohol responsibly, but also that alcohol related health problems are on the increase. We therefore very much welcome Wendy’s willingness to engage with convenience store customers, within their local communities, about the amount of alcohol they consume and to consider sensible drinking guidelines.”