Tag: Responsible Service of Alcohol

  • Alcohol Ban Extended on St Kilda Foreshore

    The alcohol ban on St Kilda foreshore in Melbourne has been extended again by Port Phillip Council, a controversial decision that had councillors arguing that it would rob people of their civil rights.

    The ban is in place until April 3, after Easter as the council decides whether alcohol has an impact on tourism and health in the area.

    The decision to extend the ban came after police and local traders urged the council to implement a permanent alcohol ban in the area, to stop the anti-social behaviour plaguing the area.

    The ban was initially implemented after an out of control Christmas Day party that trashed the foreshore and cost tens of thousands of dollars to clean up. During that clean up, 30 tonnes of rubbish and broken glass was collected.

    Some residents voiced concerns about being banned from enjoying alcohol responsibly on the foreshore. Source: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/st-kilda-foreshore-alcohol-ban-extended-again-20180207-p4yzmw.html

  • What Type of Drinker are You?

    It’s obvious that people react differently to alcohol, just look at your friends and how you can identify different types of personalities when they drink. So what type of drinker are you?

    There are 4 types of drinkers according to a motivational model of alcohol use, that claims we drink because we expect it to change how we feel afterwards.

    The model was first developed to help treat alcohol dependence, and this has led to a new understanding of why people are motivated to drink.

    1. Social Drinking. Social motives are the most common reason people drink. Usually these drinkers drink to increase the amount of fun they’re having. These drinkers usually drink moderately.

    2. Drinking to Conform or Fit In. People that drink only on occasions or when those around them are drinking. For example people sipping on a glass of champagne during a wedding.

    3. Drinking for Enhancement. Usually young people, usually male who drink to actively feel drunk. They usually have a risk taking personality and are more aggressive, impulsive and extroverted.

    4. Drinking to Cope. People who drink to cope usually have higher levels of neuroticism, are less agreeable and possess a negative self-image. Usually they drink to cope with depression and anxiety.

    Read more at: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/there-are-four-different-types-of-drinkers-which-one-are-you/news-story/62df0547afbcf87cd028c2967edb20d2

  • Study Reveals Why People Get Aggressive when they Drink

    Researchers have pinpointed why people get aggressive after they drink alcohol.

    This study by researchers at the UNSW School  of Psychology found that the brain areas normally involved in tempering aggression, the prefrontal cortex shuts off when people drink, after just 2 drinks.This is contrary to previously held beliefs that alcohol related aggression is caused by changes in the pre-frontal cortex.

    The findings were published in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience.

    While the cause of alcohol-related aggression is disputed, we can all agree that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to aggressive behaviour which we’ve seen lead to crimes such as one punch attacks.

    Responsible service of alcohol is crucial in minimising incidents caused by alcohol related aggression.

    Read more at http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health-news/study-explains-why-people-get-aggressive-after-a-drink-or-two/news-story/45011191d3d433431a6459f5fdbc0f8e

     

  • Alcohol Ban on St Kilda Foreshore Necessary Police Say

    Police and local St Kilda traders want the termporary alcohol ban on the foreshore made permanent following the trashing of the area during a wild party on Christmas Day.

    There are calls for the ban to be extended for at least 3 years after the Christmas party that cost $23,000 to clean up. Around 5000 revellers made their way to the area, creating 30 tonnes of garbage including broken glass.

    The alcohol ban would apply to Catani Gardens, Marina Reserve and South Beach Reserve.

    Traders in the area are concerned about safety in the area and the lasting damage done to St Kildas reputation. Read more at https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/police-join-call-for-permanent-st-kilda-foreshore-alcohol-ban-20180204-h0tefx.html

  • Beer or Wine for The Weight Conscious

    We’ve all heard that drinking wine or beer in moderation is good for your health, helping your heart and lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and gallstones.

    Regardless of what you eat or drink, too many calories will cause you to gain weight. It’s important to know the calorie count of your favourite wines and beers so that you can make the right choice if you’re watching your weight.

    Here are few rules to remember if you’re ever in doubt,

    • Stick to white wine if you’re trying to keep the calories down. A glass of white wine usually has 121 calories.
    • Red wine is a little higher in calories, averaging 125 calories per glass but it is better for your heart health.
    • Regular beer is the highest in calories. Light beer is the lowest at 103 calories per serving.

     Read more at https://www.livestrong.com/article/304496-calories-in-beer-wine-vodka-and-whiskey/

  • Study Suggests Tax on Soft Drinks Could Cause People to Drink More Beer

    Experts say a sugar tax could have the consequence of people switching from soft drinks to alcohol.

    According to researchers people could end up drinking more beer and wine, despite the negative health impacts of excessive drinking.

    Researchers also say that wine and beer sometimes has more calories than soft drinks, so a sugar levy could produce net neutral or negative health impacts.  Read more at http://www.smh.com.au/national/taxing-soft-drink-may-make-us-drink-more-beer-suggests-new-study-20180123-p4yys2.html

  • A List of Heart Healthy Wines

    Research has long told us that drinking wine in moderation is good for your health and your heart in particular but with all the wines out there which ones should we be leaning towards if we want to benefit our cardiovascular health.

    Grapes are renowned for their antioxidants which lower the risk of heart disease and lessen blood clotting risks but make sure you stick to only 1 or 2 servings per day for men and one serving per day for women to enjoy maximum benefits.

    Cabernet Sauvignon and darker, drier wines are more rich in antioxidants than sweeter wines. Pinot Noir and Merlot are also good options for anyone looking for  the healthiest wine options.

    Read more at https://www.livestrong.com/article/292418-list-of-heart-healthy-wines/

  • Health Conscious? Should You Drink Wine or Just Grape Juice.

    While the health benefits of wine have long been toted, both red wine and grape juice promote heart health and healthy blood pressure, as well as reduce your risk of developing blood clots. So which is better?

    Red wine is rich in polyphenols, which help fight against disease and also contains resveratrol which promotes heart health. It is also anti-inflammatory which helps fight cancer and is anti-aging. Wine also helps lower bad cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

    Grape juice has all the same antioxidants as red wine such as resveratrol and polyphenol. Some of the benefits include reduced blood clots, lowered cholesterol, protects blood vessels in the heart and lowers blood pressure.

    Ultimately some people shouldn’t drink alcohol, such as pregnant women and those with health problems like a weak heart. These people will benefit from grape juice rather than wine.

    Red wine should always be enjoyed in moderation because in excess, the health benefits are actually reversed. Too much of any alcoholic beverage has more risks than rewards.

  • More Than Half of All Adults Drink to Cope with Stress

    A study has found that almost 60 per cent of adult are drinking alcohol to cope with stress.

    The study examined the drinking patterns of people in the UK between the ages of 18 and 75 and found that the stress of everyday life was driving people to drink.

    The study was conducted by Drinkaware and assessed over 6000 adults over a few weeks between March and April last year.

    Of those questioned, 38 per cent of people both male and female said they drink alcohol to forget their problems. Almost half of those in the study revealed they drank to cheer themselves up.

    If we understand why people drink, we can better understand problem drinking and help tackle it.

    Read more http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/alcohol-stress-coping-mechanism-uk-adults-drinking-wine-beer-a8159721.html

     

  • Is it Acceptable to Save My Alcohol Points for the Weekend?

    Have you ever wondered if you can save your alcohol points and “splurge” on the weekend or on a special occasion?

    Some people think if they’ve abstained all week they can go all out drinking on the weekend, but experts say this doesn’t work.

    In fact this could put your health at risk.

    The Australian Government Department of Health said drinking no more than 4 standard drinks on any one occasion reduces your risk of alcohol related injury.

    For females, more than 4 drinks on one occasion is considered binge drinking. For males binge drinking is more than six drinks and as we know binge drinking can lead to any number of problems.

    See more at http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health-advice/ask-a-gp-is-it-ok-to-save-my-alcohol-units-for-the-weekend-dr-evelyn-lewin/news-story/e029f9b97be034b75ce6416edd430668