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Category: Blog

  • Prosecutions for Underage Drinking

    A case that may interest alcohol servers in Oz recently occurred in Kansas City. A middle aged woman was sentenced to 2 years of probation and 40 hours of community service after she served alcohol to a minor who was later involved in a fatal car crash. The woman was charged with involuntary manslaughter. This case highlights the importance of bartenders and waitrons to request IDs before serving alcohol to any patrons that may be underage. Another party guest, a man named Kenneth Blake is serving time in prison for the crash that killed the 16 year old girl, Laura Reynolds. Hopefully this incident will serve as a warning to others who serve alcohol, including adults who serve alcohol to underage minors at parties.

    This post that appeared on The Sacramento Bee website highlights the incident:

    Jackson County prosecutors initially charged 47-year-old Sandra Triebel with involuntary manslaughter. They hoped to hold her responsible for the drunken-driving death caused by a 19-year-old guest at her 2009 Halloween party.

    But a judge dismissed that charge under Missouri law, and The Kansas City Star reports ( ) Triebel pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor alcohol-related charges.

    Besides serving probation, Triebel must also perform 40 hours of community service and attend a victim impact panel.

    Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/14/4819496/mo-woman-pleads-to-serving-alcohol.html#storylink=cpy

     

  • Problematic NSW Hotel Dealt New Licencing Conditions

    Other venues in problematic entertainment districts should learn from an incident involving The Mean Fiddler Hotel in New South Wales. The hotel’s pub, which has long been identified as the most violent in the state, had a new licencing requirement imposed on it by the states liquor authorities after police submitted reports to authorities of violence at the venue on several occasions.
     

    In addition the venue management had failed to secure the scene following the crimes and did not notify police immediately as they were supposed to do.  Other venues can learn from this incident, so as not to repeat the breaches carried out at The Mean Fiddler Hotel unless they wish to be met with the same licencing restrictions.
     

    This post on TheShout.com.au highlights the incident:
     

    In July, the OLGR escalated the undertaking to a mandatory condition in the pub’s licence, which if breached carries a maximum penalty of $11,000 and/or imprisonment of 12 months.
     

    The pub’s owner, Drinx Pty Ltd, sought review of the decision by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), arguing that its procedures in relation to notification of police had been improved since the incidents in question and were now working effectively.
     

    The pub argued that the police had sought the imposition of the condition by reason that the hotel is one of the most violent premises in New South Wales, “but that is no longer the case”.
     

    They argued that the pub receives about 500,000 visits per annum, yet there were only 18 reported assault incidents on the premises in the past year, notwithstanding this very large patronage.
     

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2012/09/14/article/Problem-pub-stuck-with-new-restriction/TWVQTEOYIO.html

     

  • How to tell what a standard drink is

    For drinkers it is important to understand how to calculate a standard drink according to Australian standards in order to stay within drinking limits. Rather than counting glasses or bottles of alcohol drinkers can count standard drinks in order to keep track of how much alcohol they have consumed because it is a more reliable way of keeping track of alcohol already consumed.
     

     

    (Photo: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

    Counting glasses, bottles, or cans of alcohol can mislead drinkers because they contain different amounts of alcohol so it can be difficult to evaluate how much alcohol you have consumed and whether you are within legal limits.
     

    A standard drink is a unit of measurement for measuring how much alcohol is contained in a drink. A standard drink by Australian standard is any drink containing 10 grams of alcohol. One standard drink always contains the same amount of alcohol regardless of the container size or alcohol type consumed. The number of standard drinks in an alcohol beverage is always shown on the label of the container.
     

    How to calculate a standard drink by Oz standards:
     

    Multiply the volume of the container in litres by the alcohol volume and multiply that by 0.789. Volume of container in litres X % alcohol by volume (ml/100ml) X 0.789*
     

    =number of standard drinks
     

  • Benefits of Red Wine

    (Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

    It has often been wondered why people in the Mediterranean seem to live longer and healthier lives than many of their counterparts around the world.  The answer may just lie in what they drink rather than just genetics.

    A number of studies have been documented which highlight the health benefits of popping a cork and enjoying a glass of wine a day, particularly red wine. Red wine provides much more resveratrol compared to white, which makes it healthier for you than white wine, beer and spirits.  Some of the benefits listed include reduces heart problems, lowering blood pressure, promoting longevity and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact moderate drinkers are less at risk than non-drinkers.

    Some university studies have also found that much of the brain decline experienced in later years can be avoided with moderate wine drinking.  Even cases of cataracts were less in moderate drinkers than non-wine drinkers.

    Moderate amounts of alcohol can raise your good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and thin your blood. However it is not meant to be abused, anything in excess is not good for you.

    So the next time you reach for the bottle of wine, you don’t have to feel guilty, it’s good for your health.

     

  • Good Fork Week to tackle Obesity

    According to a national study done earlier this year more than 17 million Australians are overweight or obese and almost 100,000 of these people suffer from diabetes and other weight related issues which lead to premature death. Sadly children are also being affected by this epidemic, with many children nowadays suffering from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, hypertension and sleep apnoea related to obesity.

    Australia is becoming one of the most obese countries in the developed world, with figures doubling in the last 2 decades. Obesity also has a high economic impact on the nation. It has been estimated that 10% of the healthcare costs in Oz can be attributed to obesity related illness and the figures run into $56 billion a year.

    Good Fork Week, an initiative by Unilever Food Solutions and Obesity Australia, is set to run from the 2nd to 28th October this year and will bring awareness to the issue of obesity in Australia. Those in the food service industry have been asked to join in the fight and participate in the campaign by making their menus more nutritious and healthier.

    Although the majority of Australians have indicated in a survey that they wish to eat healthier, they still choose to eat out at least once a week, which is why restaurants need to be more aware of nutrition and serving their customers healthier meals.

    This post on Hospitalitymagazine.com.au has more about the campaign:

    The campaign urges chefs to make small tweaks to at least one dish on their menu to make it more nutritious by either using less salt, better fats, less sugar, more fruits and vegetables and/or limiting calories by looking at cooking techniques. Participating chefs will then become official Good Fork Week partners and will receive a merchandising pack to help them promote their association with the campaign in their own business. The chef’s ‘hero dish’ will also be promoted on the Unilever Food Solutions website.

     Christine Manfield, acclaimed Sydney chef from Universal Restaurant, is the official ambassador of Good Fork Week and says all Australian chefs can help to tackle the country’s obesity crisis.

     “Taking part in Good Fork Week can be as simple as adding more flavour to your dishes by using fresh herbs and spices instead butter or fat; substituting a serving of chips with a delicious salad; or perhaps grilling, steaming or baking your protein instead of frying, and re-evaluating portion sizes,” she said.

    Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/food/news/chefs-to-help-tackle-obesity-with-good-fork-week

    With restaurants making subtle changes towards healthier eating, diners can still enjoy their favourite meals with a fraction of the calories. Diners can also take a proactive approach and look out for restaurants and take-aways that are participating in Good Fork Week. Also check with your favourite restaurants whether they will be taking part and suggest that they do and ensure them of your support to encourage them. Also seek out restaurants that are taking a healthier approach to cooking in general, healthy food need not be tasteless, and it may be life-saving.

  • List of Cocktails to Avoid

    For the Health Conscious Drinker
     

    Not all cocktails are created equal, especially when it comes to their impact on your body. Some cocktails contain more sugar, more fat and less nutrition than others. While the last thing you want to do on a night out is bother about counting calories in your drinks, you may want to take a quick glance at the list below so you can easily make healthier choices.
     

     

    (Photo: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

    Cocktails to Avoid:
     

    Long Island Iced Tea. This cocktail contains typically 5 different alcohols and coke, which makes it loaded with sugar and unhealthy. There are virtually no nutritional benefits.
     

    Piña Colada. Sugar in this drink intensifies the hangover you will undoubtedly experience the next day. Just one of these drinks has half your daily calorie intake in just one glass. Loaded with milk and sugar, you may as well order a milkshake.
     

    Red Bull and vodka.The only good part about this drink is that it will keep you energised enough to burn off the wopping high calories contained in it.
     

    Jack Daniels and Coke. We all know the dangers that drinking too much Coke can have, in addition to giving you a sugar rush, when you add alcohol to the mix it’s a recipe for disaster.
     

  • Do children and First Class really mix?

    Have you ever wondered whether it was worth forking out the extra cash to put your kids up in first class when flying?The cramped conditions of economy class certainly do not bring out the best in children, especially when combined with multiple transfers and irate fellow travellers.

    Flying with children is challenging enough, but having to do it in economy class, with its cramped seats, unfriendly flight service and questionable food is an even more frightening thought for most parents.

    This post on CNNgo.com written by Carla Kripps highlights the pros and cons of travelling first class with your kids:

    Con: Executive first class passengers don’t want to see kids

     For those of us who recall the pre-parenting pain of being stuck on long-haul flights near horrible children with oblivious parents, there’s a genuine desire to be considerate of other travelers by making sure your own kids are well-behaved. 

     That feeling is magnified tenfold when you’re sitting in the section of the aircraft where fellow passengers don’t think you belong. Stress-free it ain’t.

     If you think the looks you get while boarding with a child as you head into economy class are demoralizing, try facing down a cabin full of wealthy, unhappy-looking travelers with your little darlings in tow.

     Pro: Sleep like a baby that isn’t wailing due to ear pain

     If this man were flying with kids, right about now he’d be hearing “Dad, please come change the channel for me.” When we fly overseas, I try to book a night flight so the kids will sleep most of the journey.

     Not that I get much shut-eye myself.

     There’s usually a foot in my face or I’m sitting on the edge of my seat praying to the gods of travel the boys sleep long enough for me to finish my crappy meal and watch a lame romantic comedy.

     In first class, however, you, your kids and everyone else get to sleep peacefully, stretched out on 180-degree flat beds, comfy duvets pulled up over happy, relaxed jowls.

    Source: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/kids-and-first-class-do-they-mix-528785

    There’s always the worry when flying with kids in first class whether they will actually appreciate the luxury. Most kids, especially the younger ones couldn’t care less whether they are in first class or not because many of the conveniences provided in first class don’t really excite them as much as they do adults.

    However the writer does highlight some very interesting facts. Flight attendants do treat people in first class better. That means that they are more accommodating to you and your kids and are much more obliging to the demands of the kids, keeping them occupied throughout the flight which is always a challenge, even if only to keep them from annoying the other first class passengers. Unfortunately once kids experience the freedom and comfort of first class, it is doubtful that they will be able to go back to economy class. Space is probably the biggest luxury in first class.

    Also people in first class seem to be a bit crankier and snub their noses at kids in first class. Thankfully in first class the wine and expensive alcohol is complimentary which if nothing else should help make flying with your kids more tolerable for you.

    The question is do you mind paying so much more for a flight that will be over in a few hours? If not then first class is definitely the way to go, especially if you want time to just ease by. However if the thought of forking over the extra cash makes you shudder, perhaps you’d do best to stick to economy class, just book an evening flight so your kids will most likely sleep through the flight.

  • British Holidaymakers Indulge More when on Holiday Compared to Other Nationalities

    According to a recent survey holidaymakers from the UK drink more when on holiday than they do when at home, playing into the stereotype that Britons love to drink. The survey found that almost 60 per cent of travellers from Britain claimed that they drink more when away on a holiday than they do at home. Some even admitted to guzzling about 5 more drinks daily than they normally world. Typically Italian people tend to control their drinking more when travelling than other nationalities do but admit to overeating.
     

    This post published in The Dailymail.co.uk details the survey’s findings:
     

    Break for booze: Almost two thirds of Britons said they drank more while away on holiday

     


     

    The TripAdvisor poll showed that Britons drink more on average while away than the French, Spanish, Italian and Germans, with only a quarter of Italians drinking more on holiday than they would at home.

     

    Based on responses from more than 2,500 British travellers, the survey also revealed that 58 per cent of Britons admitted overindulging in food while on a trip.
     

    Italians – comparatively restrained in their alcoholic intake – were the champion eaters on holiday, with 68% of them admitting to overindulging.
     

    Possibly due to their eating and drinking habits, as many as 34% of Britons claimed they did not feel refreshed or re-energised following a holiday, with 11% feeling less healthy and more tired after a break.
     

    TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma Shaw said: ‘Leading busy, stressful lives often means that a holiday is the only time Brits can really let loose and relax.
     

    ‘While recharging the batteries is a great idea, British holidaymakers need to be careful that they don’t always need another holiday to recover from the excesses of the last one.’
     

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2202481/Sixty-cent-Britons-admit-drinking-alcohol-holiday.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
     

    The idea that British people return from holiday more exhausted than when they left is interesting because it’s something Australians can also learn from. While the entire premise of a holiday is to relax and rewind, recharging ones battery depends on getting sufficient rest and sleep, something most holidaymakers miss. Especially when they choose to drink more than they are used to, it is no doubt they suffer frequent hangovers and return from holiday worse than when they left.
     

    The other risk of over-indulging is that you are in a foreign and unknown place which can be extremely risky. Holidaymakers should make sure they know the surroundings before they overindulge and make sure they have safe transport home or back to the hotel.
     

    Also tourists can be easy targets for criminals in many holiday destinations and even more so when they are not of a sober mind. There is more opportunity to be robbed, your drinks spiked and maybe worse when you are overly intoxicated. The side effects of drinking too much may also make you vulnerable when on holiday. Think of the dangers of passing out in a foreign place or to wake up next to a stranger or worse?  So maybe next time you go on holiday you would think twice before going on a drinking spree.
     

  • The best of China in a town near you

     

    (Photo: Ohmega1982 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

     

    A large number of Chinese immigrants left their homes in search of a better life and settled in cities all over the world, some hundreds of years ago. These settlements have grown and become a valued part of many cities. Today you would not expect to find a Chinatown in Africa or Cuba, but some of the best Chinatowns are found where you would least expect it. Each of these Chinatowns have 3 things in common, they all celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year, good Chinese restaurants and bargain shopping.
     

    I found this post on CNNgo.com really informative because it describes the best of these Chinese settlements around the globe. According to the post the best Chinatowns can be found in Havana Cuba; Kolkata, India; Bangkok Thailand, Manila, Philippines; Johannesburg South Africa; San Francisco in The United States; Melbourne, Australia and Vancouver in Canada.
     

    The post goes on to state about the Havana Chinatown:
     

    Barrio Chino, where more than 50 years of China-Cuba ties are celebrated.
     

    Hola amigo, nihao ma? Welcome to Barrio Chino, where the locals embrace their unique Spanish and Chinese heritage.
     

    Havana’s was once Latin America’s largest Chinatown.
     

    It was started by coolies brought in from Guangdong in the 1840s to work on the sugar plantations. A few decades later, 5,000 Los Californianos arrived from the United States. Finally, in the early 20th century, a third wave of migrants came fleeing social upheaval in China.
     

    At its height, the Chinese population in Havana numbered some 50,000, with the laundries, small factories and restaurants you can find in Chinatowns worldwide.
     

    The end came with Cuba’s 1959 revolution, the collapse of private enterprise and emigration — much of it back to the United States.
     

    With only some 150 native Cuban-Chinese left, the Chinese government has helped pay to spruce up Havana’s Chinatown, including building a huge new archway.
     

    Source: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/worlds-best-chinatowns-324704
     

    The post goes on to describe the Chinese of India who came to India in the early 19th century from the South of China, running from war and famine. The post also highlights the large Indian Chinese population in Canada, whose traditions are a mixture of traditional Chinese with Indian food, culture and beliefs. If festivals are what you’re after, Johannesburg in South Africa hosts the best Lunar New Year dragon dance which is apparently a spectacle to see, with a variety of Chinese cuisine available from Shanghainese to Sichuan.
     

    If you don’t wish to travel that far from home, the oldest Chinatown in Oz can be found in Melbourne where the best Chinese food can be found. The Chinese arrived in Melbourne in 1851 and Chinatown has since grown into a thriving and bustling Victorian attraction. For a cultural experience in the middle of Melbourne, attend the Asian Food Festival which is held around August/September.
     

    The post also goes on to talk about the rich but young history of the London based Chinatown which can be found between the Solo, Leichester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden:
     

    Throughout the 1960s, thousands more Chinese arrived from Hong Kong, many opening restaurants in and around Gerrard Street, attracted by the cheap rents and short leases on offer in the salubrious area (famously, Ronnie Scott set up his first jazz club in the basement of number 39).
     

    Today, London Chinatown is located in the busy center of London, between Soho, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, with tourists flocking to the area for its Chinese restaurants, teahouses, supermarkets and traditional Chinese doctors.
     

    From being an insular, temporary community — the old saying used to be “earn enough then head home” — London’s Chinatown is now a proud part of the British capital, attracting 300,000 people for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
     

    Source: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/worlds-best-chinatowns-324704

     

     

  • 18 Are Arrested in Theft of Tiny Liquor Bottles

    I came across an interesting post in The New York Times, written by Joseph Goldstein which highlighted an incident in New York recently where a ring of airport truck drivers and security guards nabbed more than 100,000 bottles of liquor from American Airlines.

    The miniature bottles of alcohol were meant to be returned to a storage facility at the end of each flight however the truck drivers were stealing the alcohol and the security guards were allowing them to pass through check points unchecked.

    Police seized the bottles stuffed in garbage bags at the home of a retired truck driver in Queens, the bottles were intended for resale to fellow co-workers for about $4 each, although their on-board value is $7 per bottle.

    The post below can be found on www.nytimes.com:

    In order to smuggle the stolen bottles out of the airport, truck drivers gave some of them to three airport security guards, who were also arrested, to let trucks pass through checkpoint areas without being carefully inspected, the authorities said. Mr. Nestor said that the Port Authority investigators learned of the thefts earlier this year. The investigation, which the authorities named “Operation Last Call,” included dozens of undercover buys in recent months involving tens of thousands of the miniature bottles, officials said.

    The Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown, said that the criminal charges would focus on some 57,000 bottles of liquor stolen in the last five months, and on duty-free merchandise that was also stolen. The defendants, who were expected to be arraigned Thursday in Queens, will face charges including accepting bribes, larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property, the authorities said.

    Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/nyregion/airport-workers-arrested-in-theft-of-100000-liquor-bottles.html