Last orders for underage pub drinkers in Deeside as bar staff take part in a special training course

Bar staff in Flintshire have taken part in a specially devised training course to ensure they serve alcohol responsibly.

Thirteen candidates from licensed premises across Flintshire sat the BIIAB Level 1 Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing which was held at the Civic Hall in Connah’s Quay earlier this month.

The free event was organised by North Wales Police and supported by Flintshire County Council. The qualification, issued at the end of the four hour course, is recognised within the licensing trade.

Staff are shown how to prevent sales to those underage or to customers who are already drunk. They are also given advice on the consequences of breaking the law.

The course gives bar staff a clear understanding of the conditions under which licensed premises must operate and provides guidance on good practice and information about the effects of alcohol.

Flintshire North Inspector Dave Jolly said;

“Achieving this qualification will improve the overall standards of premises, reduce crime and disorder and the other negative effects associated with alcohol.

“It also ensures that pubs, clubs and other licences premises provide a safe and welcoming environment for customers and staff.”

Flintshire County Councillor Tony Sharps spoke to candidates about the new licencing laws, how the police are tackling the issue of drugs on premises with sniffer dogs and how local taxi firms are using technology to improve their services.

He said; “There needs to be better control over closing times, but the new licencing laws have improved relations with local residents and there is better consultation with the police.”

The training was funded by the National SAB Miller/BII Scholarship Scheme and presented by Mike Nickson of Inn Confidence who ran a similar course in Wrexham in December.