Marston's PLC signs up as major sponsor of The Schools Alcohol Awareness Project

Marston's PLC is the first company in the UK to sign up as a Core Partner in the Schools Alcohol Awareness Project, a new education initiative which encourages young people to adopt responsible attitudes towards alcohol. 

As a major brewer and one of the leading names in the licensed retail sector, Marston's is keen to help teachers throughout the UK educate their pupils on the dangers of alcohol misuse and the serious impact it can have on their own life and on the communities where they live.

Along with generous support for the nationwide scheme, Marston's has also nominated twelve schools close to its main operating bases in Wolverhampton, Burton, Cockermouth, Mansfield and Ringwood.  These schools have been supplied with free, ready-to-use classroom materials which are carefully designed to save busy teachers time and effort.

The Schools Alcohol Awareness Project is delivered in partnership with teachers but is not a government initiative.  Its success is due entirely to the support of BII members across the UK.  BII is the professional body for the licensed retail sector.  With over 17,500 members, it promotes high standards, good employment practice and social responsibility within the industry.

Cathie Smith, Director of BIIAB said, "We are very grateful to Marston's for this support which allows us to help teachers in a practical way.  The project includes elements such as classroom materials, online puzzles and a Family Quiz which can help parents and children discuss the difficult issues surrounding young people and alcohol."

Patrick Gaffney, Director of the Schools Project, added his own thanks to Marston's saying, “We can only make a difference in schools if we gain the support of the wider community.  I am delighted that Marston's has decided to lead the way in this important initiative.”

Speaking on behalf of Marston's, Director of Human Resources Steve Rowlands said, "We strongly believe that reputable companies within the brewing and licensed retail sector must act to assist schools in educating young people about alcohol, both to inform them of the potential risks associated with underage drinking and to enable them to socialise responsibly in the future when they become adults. Marston's is delighted to play a central role in an imaginative education
initiative which helps teachers in this way."