The Sense Group (TSG), founded in 1997 with the objective of promoting a responsible and moderate use of alcohol message to the adults, has appointed Victor Calleja as its director general.

With over 30 years’ experience in the communications industry, Mr Calleja runs his own publishing company. During his career, he has overseen the advertising sales for a radio station and a national newspaper and has been involved in various business publications.

For a number of years he was also honorary secretary of the Institute of Directors (Malta branch).

Current TSG chairman Anthony Tabone said he believes Mr Calleja will realise the full potential of this experience to further promote the message of responsible and moderate alchohol use by adults through targeted initiatives.

Mr Calleja is taking over from Joe Farrugia, who has been CEO since 1998. Mr Calleja said he strongly believed in the core objectives of The Sense Group.

TSG’s position is that educating the public and proper enforcement of existing legislation, rather than inventing and imposing new and impractical regulations, should be the focus of all stakeholders, including the authorities.

TSG conducts regular campaigns against drink-driving, underage drinking and binge drinking.

All these activities have been conducted with the support of the Maltese beverage industry.

In its contacts with overseas organisations, TSG has always been active, particularly at EU level.

It has participated in a pan-European designated driver campaign partially funded by the European Commission.

After establishing close contact with the European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD), TSG reached an agreement whereby the forum provided substantial funding for an intensive action programme started last year.