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  • Alcohol Blamed for Baby Bashing Policeman’s Behaviour

    Alcohol has once again been blamed for the bad behaviour of a person who behaved in an unacceptable manner. This time a Chinese man who is actually a policeman, drank alcohol before conducting himself in such bad behaviour that he injured a baby.

    The incident, almost too bizarre to understand took place in China’s Zhengzhou, Henan province. The policeman apparently drank alcohol before throwing a baby to the ground.

    It seems that alcohol is once again being given a bad rap by irresponsible adults who do not know how to conduct themselves, of course alcohol is an easy scapegoat but this incident highlights the importance of being a responsible drinker.

    People cannot continue to blame alcohol for their bad behaviour especially since they are the ones who chose to drink alcohol and probably excessively for it to affect the way they act. That is why it is so important that responsible service of alcohol is enforced in Oz, so that incidents like this one reported on news.xinhuanet.com can be avoided:

    An initial investigation found that on the evening of July 18, GuoZengxi took a 7-month-old baby girl from her parents and hurled her to the ground at the entrance of a karaoke club in Linzhou City after dining and drinking alcohol with friends at a local restaurant.

    Linzhou police said there had been no conflict between Guo and the baby’s parents before he threw the baby to the ground.

    The child was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Anyang Regional Hospital for further treatment. She suffered multiple brain injuries, including a bone fracture and bruising, said Li Pengqiang, a doctor with the hospital in Anyang.

    The baby girl was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 5. Though temporarily out of danger, Li said the girl could suffer aftereffects from the trauma.

    “She is very easily startled and clings to me when she hears cars passing by,” said RenWenli, mother of the child.

    “She is now very afraid of strangers and sometimes vomits,” Ren added.

    Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-08/19/c_132643018.htm

    The article goes on to explain that the police department has covered the baby’s medical bills, but this is little consolation to a mother and family who are uncertain of whether their child sustained any long term damage. Tests are currently being organised for the child in Beijing to try and find out.

    This incident also highlights how the situation can get out of hand when alcohol is abused and it can escalate to involve numerous members of the public. The drunken police officer had to be hospitalised after he was beaten by locals at the scene who witnessed his behaviour. He was also sentenced to 15 days in jail.

    Shockingly this is not the first incident of this nature to have taken place in China recently, although it is not known whether alcohol was a factor in the previous incident,

    Police in Anyang City, which governs Linzhou, opened an investigation into the case following netizens’ anger over the incident. Guo was detained on suspicion of intentional injury Saturday and was transferred to a detention center in Anyang City on Sunday, according to GuoFajie, head of Anyang Public Security Bureau.

    In another July incident, a man killed a toddler in Beijing by lifting her from her carriage and throwing her to the ground after arguing with and physically attacking the baby’s mother.

    Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-08/19/c_132643018.htm

     

  • 11 Cubans Die from Alcohol Poisoning

    Havana Cuba is the latest to be hit by a series of cases of alcohol poisoning which have claimed the lives of 11 people last week.

    The 11th person died after consuming the methyl alcohol (commonly referred to as methanol) in an eastern Havana suburb.

    In addition to the 11 dead, another 4 people are still in hospital in a serious condition. 2 of the patients are undergoing haemodialysis to remove the toxins from their blood.

    At least 60 people were hospitalized this month from alcohol poisoning symptoms in Havana with only 15 being discharged from hospital. All the others are still in hospital, some in a stable condition while others are still battling for their lives.

    The media reported that victims suffered from nausea, headaches, vomiting, weakness and distorted vision.

    Authorities managed to narrow down the toxic alcohol to a western neighbourhood of Havana, La Lisa where a resident is suspected to have home brewed the liquor with methanol.

    Methanol is commonly used in laboratories and research centres as a reactive agent to make anti-freeze. It is extremely toxic to the human body which is why people should never drink bootlegged alcohol or alcohol from an unknown source.

    Consumption of methanol often leads to blindness and then death. Quite a number of people have died this year alone from methanol poisoning around the world.

  • Skills Shortage Drives Up Pub Salaries

    Even more good news for those looking for a new job or just wanting a change in careers, according to reports a skills shortage in the hospitality sector has driven up pub salaries – even more incentive to enter this exciting industry.

    But if you are contemplating switching to the hospitality sector, you will first have to undergo the necessary skills training, this includes undergoing the mandatory Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. (The law dictates that any worker in a venue where alcohol is served must undergo this training before beginning work in a licenced venue).

    According to reports chefs, pub managers etc. are now in such high demand that they are commanding top salaries. Some bar and restaurant owners are even being forced to offer up stakes in their businesses to attract and retain employees, according to leading recruitment firm Michael Page.

    This post from TheShout.com.au explains,

    A total of 67 per cent of employers surveyed by Michael Page Hospitality & Leisure reported that skills shortages would cause salaries in the sector to rise above the inflation rate in the next 12 months.

    The recruiter’s 2013/14 Salary and Employment Forecast also found that more than a third of employers (34 per cent) thought it would be difficult for them to maintain headcount in the current climate.

    Michael Page Hospitality & Leisure senior consultant Warren Coxall told TheShout the roles in highest demand in pub, bar and restaurant groups are executive chefs and venue managers.

    He said that depending on their level of experience, executive chefs now command salaries of between $90,000 and $130,000 in most Australian states.

    Venue managers meanwhile can command anywhere from $65,000 to $120,000, depending on the venue.

    But with the best candidates able to command a salary increase of 10 to 15 per cent every time they move jobs, Coxall said salary alone may not be enough to ensure their loyalty.

    Read the full post at: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/07/22/article/Skills-shortage-driving-up-pub-salaries/LULUQYEKDQ.html

    It is interesting and encouraging to hear that workers in the hospitality sector who are skilled are being appreciated and rewarded appropriately. It is also an incentive to young people who are looking for a career or those wishing to take a year or two to figure out what they want to do, to enter the hospitality sector.

    While serving alcohol or in fact engaging in any work in a pub is rewarding and for many people exciting, it is also challenging especially when faced with difficult patrons whose intention is to drink excessively. Balancing the need to serve alcohol responsibly with good customer service can be difficult but that is what makes this industry so interesting –the fact that it is a challenge but only if you are appropriately trained.

    Managers of licensed venues should ensure all employees know the products that they sell as well as being trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol. Staff of licensed venues from security staff to bartenders must obtain the RSA certificate. Luckily this RSA certificate is easy to obtain – simply complete an online course. Visit our homepage today for more information or to register.

     

  • Statistics Show Anti-Violence Measures Working

    Good news recently emerged about the number of violent incidents occurring at venues in NSW. According to BOCSAR (NSW Bureau of Statistics, Crime and Research) figures there has been a significant reduction in violence in venues, a fact that the industry attributed to better preventative practices.

    The number of assaults happening on licenced premises apparently fell 23.7 per cent according to the BOCSAR report.

    Between January 2007 and December 2012the number of assaults reported in licenced venues dropped significantly. BOCSAR however did caution that these figures may be exaggerated slightly because venues may fail to report incidents for fear of licence restrictions or loss under NSW disciplinary schemes.

    BOCSAR then reportedly tested the validity of the figures by analysing 1600randomly selected incidents that took place during the same period and found “no statistical significance” in the rate of reporting by RSA staff at venues with recognised violence history versus those without.

    This BOCSAR report comes shortly after the latest list of NSW’ most violent venues was released in March. The list featured the fewest venues since the program began which shows that perhaps the new measures are working.

    An article on TheShout recently discussed the decline in assaults in licenced venues in the state as reported by BOCSAR and interviewed The AHA’s NSW directors of policing and regulations John Green. He told TheShout.com that the new measures involving operators and authorities are having the desired effect. As far as they are concerned, BOCSAR’s report further solidifies that new measures are working. RSA staff are doing their bit, working with police and reporting incidents.

    He went on to explain in the article:

    “And if you consider assaults in and around licensed premises are now at their lowest level in over 15 years, it demonstrates that licensees are working with police to reduce violence in and around venues.”

    The precinct most thwarted by the increased focus on anti-social behaviour, Kings Cross, has seen significant changes, which CEO of the Kings Cross Liquor Accord Doug Grand says have made a big difference.

    “In regards to the new measures in Kings Cross one of the main issues was the lack of late night transport options to allow late night patrons to leave the area,” said Grand.

    “The major improvement under the Kings Cross Plan of Management has been the improved operation to the late night secure taxi rank in Bayswater Road and additional late night buses.

    “This, along with a higher visibility police presence, and a collaborative focus between venues and Government, is having a positive effect in driving down anti-social behaviour.”

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/08/07/article/Anti-violence-measures-working/ZMMXNFYASK.html

    It is important that employees of licenced venues continue to work with police and report violent episodes but it is also important that these staff do all they can to prevent situations escalating to this degree in the first place.

    In order to do this employees of licenced venues must complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course – in addition to being a mandatory requirement in NSW it will also teach them what they need to know about serving alcohol responsibly so that customers do not become overly intoxicated and out of hand. Our homepage has more information about the RSA Course and how it can be completed today.

     

  • Author Discusses Life with an Alcoholic

    An article on News.com.au recently discussed what it’s like to live with an alcoholic, something we all hope to never have to experience, none the less it is still an informative post and a deterrent for binge drinking, which is the leading cause of alcoholism.

    The article tells the story of Anne Morshead who actually met her partner in a pub, which she herself admits is ironic considering that it was alcohol that brought them together, yet it was alcohol that eventually threatened to destroy their relationship.

    Anne was quoted by News.com.au as saying that anyone has the potential to become an alcohol addict if they drink enough over a long enough period of time, which is something her partner did. Her partner came from a miserable background, with an alcoholic father and he was visually impaired which added to his angst. Angst which spurred on drinking, something many alcoholics are familiar with, popularly termed “drinking away or drowning their sorrows”.

    According to Anne our society paints alcohol as an “easy way out” of life’s sorrows. Anne has written a book detailing her experience as the partner of an alcoholic, entitled “Blind Drunk”. This is what she had to say to News.com.au about the book and her experiences:

    Anne’s partner suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, which causes tunnel vision and night blindness, among other symptoms. The condition is degenerative and currently incurable.

    His impairment inspired the title of Anne’s recently released book, Blind Drunk, in which she describes the struggle of living with an alcoholic and recounts her partner’s counterintuitive path to sobriety.

    “Drinking alcohol is such a major part of our social culture. It’s legal, it’s fun and it makes us feel good,” Anne said. “But we tend to conveniently forget that it is a drug.”

    As a professional relationship counsellor, Anne believed she could help her partner overcome his alcoholism, but her interference only made the situation worse. For half a decade Anne was “addicted to the addict,” attempting to control his drinking to the point where her own life crumbled.

    “I became obsessed with monitoring his drinking, where he was and what he was doing in the same way he was obsessed with the drug,” Anne said.

    “Over five years, I became someone I didn’t recognise, as if my spirit was locked away and shrivelled.”

    Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/how-to-live-with-an-alcoholic-partner-according-to-blind-drunk-author-anne-morshead/story-fneuzlbd-1226694657714#ixzz2bZbKB8rP

    Anne goes on to explain how as the partner of an alcoholic, you too can shun the outside work. She began to reject invitations to social events and eventually these invitations dried up. Anne’s story is interesting because it is one of the first which focuses not on the alcoholic but rather on those close to them and how their lives are negatively affected. Alcoholics usually get all the attention but partners and family also suffer. She even explains the difficulty of having to deal with the stigma surrounding having a problem drinker or anyone with an addiction in the family.

    Anne also explains how partners of drunks can become obsessed with the addiction and with curing their partners. Read more about Anne’s story http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/how-to-live-with-an-alcoholic-partner-according-to-blind-drunk-author-anne-morshead/story-fneuzlbd-1226694657714#ixzz2bZbKB8rP

     

  • Driving under the influence facts and stats

    [media url=”tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iGgRVl-WFE&feature=player_embedded” width=”600″ height=”300″ jwplayer=”autostart=true”]

    Source: https://www.serenitygroup.com/driving-under-the-influence-facts-and-stats

  • Football Legend Suffers due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption

    The importance of Responsible Service of Alcohol training goes beyond just legal compliance, it has far reaching consequences on the community. That is why every worker in a licenced venue must undergo RSA training to ensure that they are equipped to handle serving alcohol to patrons in a responsible manner that will not negatively affect them or you.

    When we hear stories of people whose entire lives have been destroyed by alcohol, the real reason for RSA training sinks in. I recently read an article about legendary footballer Paul Gascoigne whose entire life has been destroyed by alcohol abuse.

    According to the media, Paul Gascoigne’s physical health is now being negatively affected. He is reportedly suffering from stomach pains because of his years of alcohol abuse. The ex-footballer even has to stay away of certain foods because they cause too much pain because of the damage already done to his stomach.

    In the article it is explained that the star has altered the way he eats and drinks because of the irreversible damage done.

    Read this excerpt from the article on DNAIndia.com which explains,

    Troubled football legend Paul Gascoigne is reportedly suffering from stomach pains because of alcohol abuse and cannot eat anything acidic because it gives him severe gut pain. Staff at the favourite watering hole of the former England star have said that they had to start watering down their smoothies which he loves to order as the drinks contain acidic fruits such as orange, apple and lemon.

    Revealing that Gascoigne would come in to the bar and drink their healthy smoothies in public, when presumably he was knocking back the alcohol in private, a barman said that the they had to water down their orange and apple juice as his stomach had rotted after all the boozing. According to the report, the England football legend, who went into rehab in the USA earlier this year to try to end his addiction for good, has been a major cause of concern for his family and friends.

    Read more at: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/1864579/report-gazza-s-tummy-has-rotted-due-to-chronic-alcohol-abuse

    Alcoholics not only suffer physically and emotionally but they often inflict suffering on others. Some engage in illegal activities such a stealing, robbery and brawling while others turn on the people closest to them. The article goes on to describe Gascoigne legal problems linked to his assault of his ex-wife and a security guard. The post goes on to explain:

    Gascoigne has been charged with two counts of assault on his ex-wife and a security guard, adding that he also has been charged with being drunk and disorderly. The former Newcastle United and Tottenham midfielder was arrested for assaulting his ex-wife Sheryl and a security guard at the railway station and was later released on police bail.

    Read more at: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/1864579/report-gazza-s-tummy-has-rotted-due-to-chronic-alcohol-abuse

    Although we all know the negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption, it becomes even more real when we experience it first-hand or hear the stories of real people affected by these problems, such as Paul Gascoigne’s story, cases such as his highlight the need for RSA training.

     

  • Police Investigate Perth Crashes

    A serious road crash in Perth recently has been linked to alcohol according to police.

    According to reports the driver’s vehicle left the road and capsized after he failed to negotiate a roundabout, possibly due to intoxication. He then hit into a parked car, a fence and power pole.

    This article on Yahoo News explains:

    Police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in crashes in Perth’s east last night.

    About 11.58 pm, police were called to Wanaping Road in Kenwick where a 29-year-old Parkwood man had crashed his vehicle.

    It is believed that the man’s vehicle left the road and overturned after he failed to negotiate a roundabout.

    The man’s car proceeded to strike a parked car, a fence and a power pole.

    Police conducted a breath test on the man but the results are not yet known.

    Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/17617698/police-probe-alcohol-as-factor-in-crashes/

    A second accident on the same night occurred when a man’s vehicle left the road and crashed into the bushes. Breathalyser tests revealed that the man was intoxicated at the time. He was charged with drink driving.

    The article went on to state:

    In a separate incident in Bayswater, a Hyundai Elantra sedan also left the road and crashed into bushes on Wyatt Road and Higgins Way.

    Police were called to the crash around 4am and breathalysed a 55-year-old man.

    After failing the test, the male was charged with drink driving.

    Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/17617698/police-probe-alcohol-as-factor-in-crashes/

    One of the greatest road safety issues in Oz at the moment is the number of crashes being caused by drink driving.

    Most people enjoy a little drink from time to time and there is nothing wrong with this in fact even doctors recommend a glass of wine a day for good heart health.

    The problem comes in when people drink and behave irresponsibly, such as drinking and driving (when their blood alcohol level is above 0.05). Most people don’t realise that they are over the legal limit when they get behind the wheel after a drink or two. As a drinker you either need to know how much alcohol is contained in the drinks you consume to ensure you are not exceeding the limit or an even better idea would be to avoid driving altogether.

    People who drink and drive need to remember that alcohol, even in small quantities can have an effect on your driving.

    Alcohol doesn’t get digested like food but rather gets absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine as well as the stomach and colon. The blood transports the alcohol to your vital organs including the heart and brain – both of which are vital in the process of driving. These organs coordinate our activities and ability to drive.

    Some of the effects of alcohol on our driving abilities include:

    • Our perception is affected. People who drink are less likely to observe traffic signs, bikers, pedestrians or cars coming from the opposite side;
    • Drinkers have less control over their reactions in traffic situations; your eyes are slower and need to concentrate on the same object for a longer period of time than you would ordinarily.
    • When we drink our space perspective narrows and we tend to focus more to the front of us rather than looking to the left and right
    • Reaction times also increase as our reflexes become slower or diminish depending on how drunk we are. That means in an emergency stop situation or traffic it would take more time to respond fast and adapt accordingly.

    Drivers who drink before driving tend to be overconfident about their abilities and are less capable of good judgement. Often drinking also makes people drowsy which is probably what contributes to so many crashes where the drivers drove off the road and crashed into stationery objects such as fences, streets, poles etc. like in the 2 incidents mentioned earlier.

     

  • Thousands sign petition for Secondary Supply Laws in WA

    Thousands have signed the petition for secondary supply laws in Western Australia, an initiative spearheaded by mother of four, Samantha Menezes.

    Menezes’ crusade has reached new heights with almost 6000 signatures which have now been tabled in Parliament after being formally backed by the Labour party with its own bill.

    Last week minister Mick Murray proposed changes to the Liquor Control Act to restrict the provision of alcohol to juveniles without consent from a parent or legal guardian. The Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2013 proposes penalties for guilty parties of up to $4000.

    This is not the first time a parent has taken on this cause. In November 2011, Victoria passed the secondary supply law and Bruce Clark was the key force behind this legislation after his son Leigh tragically passed away after consuming alcohol supplied at a private party supervised by a consenting adult.

    Minister Mick Murray had this to say about the bill, according to a post on Yahoo News site:

    Mr Murray said the laws would provide “parental back-up” when teens were told they could not drink and would help reduce out-of-control parties.

    Secondary supply laws, which other States have, are being considered in a wider review of the Act.

    “I don’t think we can afford to wait,” Mr Murray said, adding the review had been extended to September. “Before we run into the summer months, especially, when the parties start, we could have someone injured or die from alcohol poisoning.”

    Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/17565588/thousands-sign-alcohol-petition/

    According to a report on Yahoo News Southern River Liberal MP Peter Abetz tabled the petition, consisting of 5875 signatures on behalf of Mrs Menezes and expressed his confidence that secondary supply laws would be recommended in the review especially when you consider the overwhelming support it has received from the community.

    According to Mrs Menezes, most of the people who signed the petition were of the impression that the laws were already in place.

    The post on Yahoo News went on to state:

    Mr Waldron reiterated his support for any plan that would mean less harm to children, but said it would be irresponsible to pre-empt the review.

    People can still sign the petition at change.org.

    Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/17565588/thousands-sign-alcohol-petition/

    The Australian Drug Foundation was amongst the organisations lending their support to the bill and on their website (http://www.adf.org.au/policy-advocacy/secondary-supply) they explained why. According to them by the age of 17, some 95 per cent of students have tried alcohol. 42 per cent drink every week and only 45 per cent of these underage minors say their parents gave them their last drink.

    They went on to explain why they support these secondary supply laws:

    The ADF supports the NHMRC alcohol guidelines and believes secondary supply legislation, with the following features, is required in every jurisdiction:

    that an adult must not supply alcohol to a minor at a private place unless the adult is a parent or legal guardian of the minor, or has specific permission of the parent or guardian; and

    that any alcohol consumption by minors should be controlled by their parent, or equivalent, in order to reduce young people’s access to alcohol, and to reduce the likelihood of harm in instances where young people do drink alcohol.

    Source: http://www.adf.org.au/policy-advocacy/secondary-supply

     

  • NT Government Passes Controversial Alcohol Treatment Law

    The Northern Territory government has just passed the contentious alcohol treatment law which will see people arrested for alcohol fuelled crimes 3 times or more forced into rehab.

    From the outset the law has been a contentious issue amongst the Aboriginal community as well as justice advocacy groups and medical organisations in the country.

    The new law states that alcoholics will be forced into 3 months of alcohol rehabilitation, that includes anyone taken into protective custody for drunkenness three times in a period of two months. Authorities will assess each case and determine the best outcome and whether the person should spend 3 months in alcohol rehabilitation to help them deal with their addiction.

    But alcoholics placed on the program should not think that they can simply leave before their 3 months are up. Patients may face criminal charges if they repeatedly abscond from rehab. However the legislation faces many sceptics who say it will not work to reduce alcohol fuelled problems and is an infringement of people’s rights.

    An excerpt from an article on Abc.net.au explains:

    From the outset the draft legislation was heavily criticised by Indigenous groups, medical bodies and justice advocates who have argued it criminalises drunkenness.

    Key points:

    The contentious legislation comes into effect in Northern Territory on July 1, 2013

    Anyone taken into custody for drunkenness three times in two months to be assessed for the treatment

    Patients could face criminal charges if they abscond from the program

    Means some alcoholics will be forced into three months of rehabilitation

    Treatment to occur at rehabilitation facilities in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs

    Draft legislation heavily criticised by Indigenous groups, medical bodies and justice advocates

    Critics argue it criminalises drunkenness

    They also say it will do little to address alcohol problems in the Territory.

    “It represents one of the greatest Australian policy failures since the introduction of cane toads…” Labor’s Michael Gunner said.

    Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/mandatory-grog-treatment-laws-pass-into-law/4787582

    As of Monday drunk and disorderly alcoholics in the state may be put into rehabilitation facilities in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs which are at the moment rushing to prepare for the perceived influx of patients.

    The parliamentary debate apparently lasted around 8 hours before the legislation was passed into law at 2:30am after 43 amendments.

    The article also goes on to explain:

    Meanwhile, proposed restrictions in the South Australian outback town of Coober Pedy would ban people from some communities in the state and the Northern Territory from buying takeaway alcohol.

    After visiting the town at the council’s request, South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling Commissioner has proposed a number of changes.

    These include people from areas such as the APY Lands and Northern Territory dry communities being banned from buying alcohol, shorter opening hours, and a ban on cask wine.

    Mayor Steve Baines says Coober Pedy is the remaining town in the area without any alcohol restrictions, giving it a reputation as “a party town”.

    Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/mandatory-grog-treatment-laws-pass-into-law/4787582

    The aim is to “dry up” the supply of alcohol to people just passing through the town to change the perception of the town as a “party town”. These changes were apparently demanded by the community who are sick and tired of the alcohol fuelled problems caused by visitors passing through the town.