Nearly 3,000 qualified staff for pubs and small licensed shops by 2012 thanks to the SABMiller Scholarship Programme through BIIAB

The Scholarship Programme was launched by SABMiller in 2009 for staff working in tenanted, leased or freehold premises throughout England, Wales and Scotland.  The purpose of the initiative was to offer lifetime, portable qualifications to staff in small businesses.  SAB Miller has provided funds to enable the full training, examination and certification to be offered to individuals free of charge.  Industry response has been so positive, with 100% take up over the previous two years, that SABMiller has agreed to fund the initiative for its third year enabling a further 1,000 staff to become qualified.

Achievement of the nationally-accredited Award in Responsible Alcohol Awareness qualification will give staff in the industry a good understanding of licensing law and the confidence and tools to deal with challenges in relation to underage sales or drunken customers.  It will contribute significantly to raising standards of professionalism within the industry by qualifying those on the front line.

Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB, commented: “The success of the last two years has shown there is a huge demand for this training in the industry and we are thrilled with SABMiller’s commitment for another year.  This will be particularly important with the huge influx of tourists during the Olympics when the eyes of the world will be looking at how we deal with problems in licensed premises. 

Kristin Wolfe, Head of Alcohol Policy at SABMiller, said: “Although most large retailers offer staff training for those selling alcohol, many smaller shops and pubs may not be able to due to cost and time out of the business.  SABMiller’s Scholars Programme will give small businesses a helping hand to achieve a national qualification for their staff and will encourage a training culture in those businesses which will impact on the life of their communities.  While organisations such as BII positively contribute to better communities, ultimately it is up to each and every drinker to take their responsibility to society and themselves seriously.  That said, every contribution to reduce irresponsible drinking is an important one for society.”

A prestigious award ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 30th June to celebrate the achievement of this year’s successful candidates.  Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire, will be presenting certificates and the event will be hosted by Jonathan Lord MP.  

Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of BII, said,  “The SABMiller Scholarship Programme with BIIAB, has demonstrated the company’s total commitment to supporting responsible alcohol sales by financing the training and qualification achievement of servers working in small licensed businesses across the UK.  We applaud the approach taken by the company and we are looking forward to another successful project.”

ENDS