PARTICIPANTS in an initiative aimed at raising awareness among workers within the licensed trade of the potential harmful affects of alcohol and drugs will meet in Fermoy for the first time next Wednesday. Club County Cork will undertake a one-day seminar for publicans, nightclub owners, hotel managers and bar staff at the Grand Hotel in Fermoy from 9.30am.  The initiative, jointly run by the HSE and local gardai under the auspices of the Southern Regional Drugs Taskforce, will tackle a number of key issues facing bar workers as well as offering solutions to some of the problems they regularly encounter. Throughout the course of the day experts will offer training on topics as diverse as security, the effects of alcohol and drugs, first aid and licensing law.

Fermoy based community garda Andrew Geary said the initiative has already proven successful in Cork city where it has been running for five years. "Essentially, it is a one stop shop offering workers at all levels within the industry help and advice on many of the issues they have to deal with. These include how to deal with unruly customers, underage drinking and fostering relationships with the gardai," said garda Geary. "Currently the service is being rolled out across the county with successful seminars having already taken place in Mallow, Crookstown and Youghal." Garda Geary said that the initiative has the full backing of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and other administrative bodies within the industry. "I would urge all people working in the trade to take advantage of this magnificent initiative and avail of the opportunity to put in place working practices that will ensure the safety of staff and customers," he added. Registration for the seminar is free and places can be booked with Garda Geary on 025-31222.