Why let the Good Times go Bad?

The pub has long been recognised as the safe place to drink. Safe because they are supervised by qualified professionals who risk fines and losing their licence if they fail in their duty of supervision.

Media images of drunken behavior in Britain's High Streets put people off visiting our pubs, yet we know that it's only a small minority who drink irresponsibly. It's in all our interests to stamp out binge drinking so people feel safe to go out for a drink or a meal in busy town centres.

Part of the solution is for us to ensure that we deliver our own commitments to responsible retailing whilst helping to educate our customers on their own responsibility to enjoy our brands without harming themselves or other people.

Marston's are proud to support the work of Drinkaware, the educational charity whose mission is to change the UK's drinking culture for the better. They target three problem areas – underage drinking; binge drinking and those adults that put themselves at risk by continually drinking too much. The organisation is entirely funded by the alcohol sector, with Britain's brewers and pub owners contributing nearly £2.5 million annually. That's a big commitment to responsibility!

Last year the industry launched 'Why Let Good Times Go Bad?' the UK's largest anti binge drinking campaign.

The campaign is not anti alcohol. Rather it provides 'smarter drinking tips' that allow people to go out, have a good time but not get into trouble. It's as simple as having something to eat before the night out; pacing the evening with water or soft drinks and encouraging people to look after their friends.

Over 60% of the target audience of potential young "bingers" saw the campaign and, even more importantly, said they would adopt some of the tips.

Pubs do some fantastic things to promote responsible drinking but all too often they are not particularly visible such as staff training, checking for proof of age or refusing to serve people who appear to be drunk. Supporting "Why let good times go bad?" is a great way for pubs to be seen to be on the front foot on responsibility.

Marston's are really getting behind this year's 'Why Let Good Times Go Bad Campaign?' which kicks off on the 6th September. We are putting the campaign logo on all our promotional POS and have provided free posters to help our customers support the campaign - reminding people to pace themselves with soft drinks during the evening. Other poster designs will also be available for free of charge via the Marston's Print Shop, part of the MyMarston's support site.

Supporting "Why let good times go bad?" is a great opportunity leave people in no doubt that Marston's pubs are the home of responsible drinking. Log on to http://www.drinkaware.co.ukfor further information.

Created: 07th September 2010