Miles Briggs MSP has backed Asda’s work with independent alcohol education charity, Drinkaware, to provide free information and advice on alcohol to customers in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
In Asda Leith, customers were given information on how to reduce their alcohol consumption by taking more drink free days every week.
This is part of Drinkaware’s flagship campaign to encourage men and women to think about their drinking and to highlight that having more drink free days can improve their health and reduce risks of serious long-term conditions.
Customers were able to talk to Drinkaware ambassadors to discuss any concerns they have about alcohol and were encouraged to complete a quick alcohol assessment.
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Lothian MSP, said: “It was great to see Asda take a lead in promoting the need for responsible alcohol consumption.
“Drinkaware’s advice provides people with an easy and achievable way to cut back and reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm to their health.
Alcohol education charity Drinkaware is working with supermarket giant Asda to help families make better choices about their drinking.
Drinkaware ambassadors will be present in a hundred Asda stores around the UK to talk to customers and answer questions the public may have about their alcohol consumption.
The in-store on-the ground intervention follows a burst of media activity from Drinkaware earlier in January aimed at encouraging people to understand the health benefits of having a little less alcohol.
Asda customers will have the opportunity to complete a quick alcohol assessment using scratch cards. They will also be offered materials to take home, including a unit measure cup and calorie wheel, to help them understand more about what’s in their drinks and how they should be poured.
Parents will be provided with information about the risks of underage drinking how to talk to their children about alcohol. Drinkaware Ambassadors will also be on hand to give helpful hints and tips to support customers wishing to drink a little less whilst in the comfort of their own homes.
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive at Drinkaware, says: “Understanding your alcohol intake can be confusing which is why we have produced a series of scratch-cards to help present clear information, in a simple, non-judgemental manner.
“This January we are spreading the word about how having just a little less alcohol can help people stay healthy and we hope the information we present can help people make better choices about their drinking.”
Chris Lowe, Senior Director for Corporate Affairs at Asda,says: “Working with Drinkaware is central to our role as a responsible retailer of alcohol and this new project aims to provide impartial, evidence-based information and practical resources in a non-judgmental, engaging and fun environment.
“Our customer insight shows that a lot of shoppers think about their health in January and look for ways to cut back on their alcohol consumption after the festive period. We are pleased to be hosting Drinkaware trained colleagues in store offering accessible, friendly advice to customers.”
The event took place at the store on Friday 13 January, with a Drinkaware stand set-up at the store to give customers the opportunity to access friendly advice and to ask questions. People who took part also had the chance to enter a prize draw to win a £50 Asda gift card.