SKYCITY Approach to Host Responsibility Recognised

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01 June 2005

Skycity’s Approach to Host Responsibility Recognised

SKYCITY Entertainment Group’s responsible service of alcohol model has been recognised by the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) as an effective way for the hospitality industry to manage intoxication on licensed premises.

The SKYCITY model has been incorporated into ALAC’s new host responsibility guidelines for licensed premises.

SKYCITY’s Manager – Host Responsibility, Junior Toleafoa, says SKYCITY has a wealth of experience in host responsibility.

“We’re delighted to be recognised by ALAC and are very willing to share our expertise in the responsible service of alcohol with the hospitality industry.”

The innovative model has four steps, from a “go” green zone to a “stop and exit” red zone.

Mr Toleafoa says the model provides a better framework for observing changes in behaviour as people drink.

“Staff use the model as a guide to help make decisions about how and when to intervene with drinking customers, and to help communicate with their colleagues,” Mr Toleafoa says.

“SKYCITY’s model is behaviour-based - it doesn’t rely on a specific number of drinks. This means it works for anyone, whether they’re a 50 kilo 20-year-old woman who isn’t used to drinking, or a 120 kilo man who’s accustomed to a few pints.”

SKYCITY developed its model based on feedback from front-line staff. “They felt a system that was sensitive enough to pick up the different stages of intoxication in customers was needed,” Mr Toleafoa said.

“The four-step model makes it easier for staff to intervene early and suggests ways to slow down a customer’s drinking if required.”

ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy said he welcomed an approach that recognises the behaviour around intoxication, rather than any fixed quantitative definition of intoxication that internationally has proved virtually impossible to define.

“Training staff to look for signs and nip drunkenness in the bud is a more workable and ultimately effective approach,” he said.

Mr Toleafoa said SKYCITY trained all its 5,000 staff in host responsibility, with bar and cocktail staff also receiving more detailed training in the responsible service of alcohol.

SKYCITY Auckland is New Zealand’s largest single-site hospitality venue.

No one who appears intoxicated is to be served alcohol or allowed to game at SKYCITY.

ENDS

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