Coles Liquor and DrinkWise have joined together to introduce new in-store signage providing easy access to support services for customers who need help managing their alcohol consumption or behaviour.
The signage will be displayed across the 960 Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores. Customers will be able to scan a QR code or tap their mobile phone on the signage, which will then take them to the DrinkWise website. From there, customers will be able to access a range of support services, including the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline, Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Alcoholics Anonymous, 1800RESPECT, Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN.
This follows a trial rollout that took place in several stores across in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, which received a positive response from both customers and Coles Liquor staff.
Coles Liquor General Manager Operations Steve Hugginson spoke about the importance of the initative.
“Serving customers safely and responsibly is a key priority for our business so we’re proud to be able to introduce the new DrinkWise signage in all our stores across the country,” said Hugginson.
“The signs use innovative technology that make accessing support quick, easy and discrete, and links to really valuable services for those who need help managing their relationship with alcohol,” he said.
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan said the signage will ensure people struggling with alcohol consumption have easy access to support.
“This is an important initiative to remind customers who are choosing to purchase and drink alcohol that if they or someone they know, is having trouble managing their consumption, asking for help is okay and there are support services available,” said Strahan.
“While the majority of Australians are choosing to drink responsibly there are still some who are drinking at risky levels, engaging in anti-social behaviour or turning to alcohol as a coping strategy. That’s why we’re increasing our efforts, through partnerships like this one with Coles Liquor, to ensure Australians can easily access support,” said Strahan.
Coles Liquor has taken other steps to promote the safe and responsible service of alcohol, including introducing a national self-exclusion process for all Coles Liquor stores and online platforms.