The Sense Group (TSG) launched an updated Code of Practice for outlets that serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises. It is a set of guidelines to ensure that alcohol is promoted in a socially responsible manner, and only to those who are over the legal drinking age of 17.
This was announced by TSG’s director general Ray Grech during a press conference hosted by the Radisson Blu Resort, in the presence of Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis.
Mr Grech said: “The ethical guidelines are based on the principle that all members of society need to be socially responsible for the common welfare. Outlets that serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises contribute to social well-being by providing venues for socialising, recreation and entertainment.
“Our role is to educate the public and those in the alcoholic drinks industry on the use and misuse of alcohol, while discouraging any form of irresponsible drinking,” Mr Grech said.
Set up in 1997, The Sense Group (TSG), supported by the alcoholic beverages industry including producers and importers, developed the revised Code of Practice by partnering with other stakeholders that have also formally endorsed it. These include the Maltese Bartenders Guild, GRTU, MHRA and ITS.
Alcohol must be consumed responsibly and in moderation. Bar owners, operators and their staff are strongly advised to know the Code of Practice to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during social and entertaining events.
They should be aware of the current legal units of alcohol acceptable and should not serve alcohol to drivers who would have consumed more than the legal drink-driving limit. Identifying negative behaviour that is related to alcoholism would help at pre-empting issues that may arise as a result of excessive consumption.
The Sense Group’s first edition of the Code of Practice was launched in 2000. The 2016 edition, which can be found on www.drinkawaremalta.com, contains additional regulations in line with today’s lifestyle and economic changes.
TSG promotes programmes and practices that create a positive role for alcohol in the Maltese society and addresses issues related to alcohol abuse and misuse.