1,000 pub staff receive training from SABMiller Scholarship

8th September 2010, 11:51am

Following the success of 2009’s SABMiller Scholarship programme, in partnership with BIIAB, a further 1,000 candidates are being funded throughout BIIAB approved training centres in England and Wales during 2010.

A Scholarship Programme was launched by SABMiller in 2009 for staff working in tenanted, leased or freehold licensed premises throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The main purpose of this initiative was to offer lifetime qualifications in responsible alcohol retailing to employees of small and medium-sized business.

In 2009 SABMiller established funds to allow 800 UK candidates to access the training and sit the qualification, free of charge (including: registration, certification, delivery and materials). Industry response was so positive, with a 100% take-up, that SABMiller agreed to provide a further 1000 places during 2010.

Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB, commented: "We are thrilled to be continuing with this initiative in 2010 with our partners SABMiller. Achievement of the nationally-accredited ARAR qualification will give staff, within the licensed trade, a good understanding of the licensing law and the confidence to deal with challenges in relation to underage sales or drunken customers, for example. It will contribute significantly to raising standards of professionalism within the industry by qualifying those on the front line."

Kristin Wolfe, head of alcohol policy, at SABMiller, added: "While most large companies offer staff training for those selling alcohol, many smaller shops and pubs simply can't afford this sort of scheme. SABMiller's Scholars Programme will give small and medium-sized enterprises a helping hand towards the achievement of a national qualification for their staff, encouraging a training culture in those businesses and having an important impact on the life of their communities."

An award ceremony will be held later in the year to celebrate the achievement of successful candidates taking part in 2010.

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