International Breweries Plc, a proud member of AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, recently concluded its pioneering one-year Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The initiative aimed to promote responsible drinking and discourage harmful use of alcohol, impacting over 15 million people nationwide and educating them on responsible alcohol consumption.
The RBS programme, sponsored by the AB InBev Foundation, delivered targeted training to bar owners and managers, simultaneously breathing new life into local communities via initiatives like clean-up exercises.
The intervention focused on mitigating alcohol-related harms attributed to problems such as drunk driving, underage drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol consumption by pregnant women.
During the exercise, the team engaged in various outreach programs, including health sensitization sessions for pregnant women and those of reproductive age at the Model Primary Health Centre in Orogbum.
Executive training sessions were also conducted for members of the Association of Hotel Owners and Managers at the Mimi Fish and Lounge, Old Aba Road, Rumuomasi.
In Rivers State, the initiative saw 302 proprietors and administrators of alcohol service establishments get equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement responsible beverage service.
387 servers, bar attendants, and security personnel were also trained on RBS practices, resulting in improved service delivery in the hospitality sector.
Mrs Edna Tekena, a bar manager who attended the training session, expressed her gratitude to IBPLC for enlightening her on the dangers inherent in excessive alcohol consumption.
Similarly, a pregnant woman who benefited from the AB InBev-sponsored RBS campaign, Mrs Gladys Onoh, said she was glad she listened to the advice to abstain from alcohol during her pregnancy.
James Ogunro, a hotel owner, said he has learnt how to best manage his business as an entrepreneur and has a better rapport with customers as he has been equipped to manage and enlighten them on the benefits of consuming alcohol responsibly.
Corporate Affairs Manager, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Department, International Breweries Plc, Damian Igwe, emphasized the significance of the Responsible Beverage Service programme, stating that the company's commitment goes beyond making great products and profits; it's also about ensuring their products are consumed responsibly because they thrive when their communities thrive.
The RBS initiative is a global best practice in promoting responsible consumption and has been contributing to the goals of the World Health Organization, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, and the Worldwide Brewing Alliance in promoting responsible consumption.
