DrinkWise moderation and respect campaign supported by the Queensland Hotels Association and Clubs Queensland

DrinkWise launched an initiative to remind Queenslanders about the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption, always being respectful towards others and knowing that support services are there to provide help and advice if needed.

This initiative expanded upon DrinkWise’s education efforts in Queensland, which increased after DrinkWise research revealed Queenslanders (34%) are significantly more likely to be drinking alcohol at risky levels when compared with the nation’s average (28%). Risky drinkers are classified as people who consume 10 or more standard drinks a week or more than four standard drinks during a day.¹

The campaign, aiming to help set expectations around acceptable behaviour in licensed venues, was launched in northern Queensland in conjunction with:

Queensland Hotels Association (QHA)
Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart MP
Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Mr Michael Healy
Member for Traeger Mr Robbie Katter
Queensland Police
Mayor of Cairns Cr Bob Manning OAM
Mayor of Mount Isa Danielle Slade
Mayor of Townsville Jenny Hill
the NRL North Queensland Cowboys.

Following the success of that approach, it was launched more widely across Queensland with the support of:

Clubs Queensland
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath
the NRL Dolphins.

The initiative also reinforced that if people are having trouble managing their consumption or behaviour, asking for help is okay. Advice and support is available from:

Moderation, respect and responsibility themed posters, coasters and digital assets are displayed in over 442 Clubs Queensland member venues, including community, sporting, RSL, golf, bowls and surf lifesaving clubs. Queensland Hotels Association venues in Cairns, Mount Isa and Townsville areas also featured the campaign with a focus on regional Queensland. Moderation, mental health and support service social media messaging were tailored for adult audiences in these areas. Specific moderation and mental health messages, directed towards young adults, were also included.

DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan said: “The latest Australian Government statistics confirm that Australians are continuing to make healthier and safer decisions with respect to their alcohol consumption. Over the past 15 years, we have seen drinking habits change substantially, with less drinking at risky levels and many reporting that they have cut back on their consumption.”

“Of course, while the majority of Australians are choosing to drink within the recommended government guidelines, there are still some who are drinking at risky levels, engaging in anti-social behaviour or turning to alcohol as a coping strategy, which is why we’re continuing our education campaigns.”

Senior Sergeant of Queensland Police, Gary Hunter, said: “The DrinkWise messaging is really important to educate the wider community about drinking in moderation and being respectful to those they live with and the wider community at all times.

“The resources remind our community about expected behaviour in our licensed venues and encourage them to reach out for help if they or someone they know needs support managing their alcohol consumption.”

This collaboration with police, industry, community and government will help to promote a great experience for patrons as well as reinforcing expectations when entering out pubs, bars and bottle shops in regional Queensland.

Mr Michael Healy - Member for Cairns, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development

Attorney-General D’Ath said: “This collaboration with DrinkWise, industry and community will help to promote a great experience for patrons as well as reinforcing expectations around individual responsibility when entering Queensland clubs. Everyone should feel safe and respected in our Queensland hospitality venues, so I’m proud to support this great new initiative.”

“Education is important and these DrinkWise materials will serve as consistent reminders to those customers who choose to drink, to do so responsibly and to socialise in a respectful manner. They also remind customers that if they or someone they know need help managing alcohol consumption, there are support services available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”

Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, Mr Michael Healy, said: “This collaboration with police, industry, community and government will help to promote a great experience for patrons as well as reinforcing expectations around individual responsibility when entering our pubs, bars and bottle shops in regional Queensland. This is an important initiative that will also help set expectations for the 2.8 million visitors from across the globe who holiday here each year with us.”

QHA Chief Executive Bernie Hogan said: “QHA is proud to support this initiative to remind patrons that having a great experience at licensed venues means respecting those around you and consuming in moderation if drinking alcohol.”

“It is important that QHA are helping promote messages that encourage conversations about mental health, with pubs integral to our regional Queensland communities. We want to ensure that as our customers come together at licensed venues, to socialise, have a meal, catch up with friends and family, they have a great time and they also use these opportunities to talk about local issues and support each other.”

Clubs Queensland Chief Executive Kelly Egan said: “Clubs Queensland is proud to get behind this initiative that further supports our patrons and families having a great experience in Queensland clubs. Respecting those around you and consuming responsibly if drinking alcohol is a key element. Clubs Queensland are always supportive of messages that encourage conversations about mental health, given that clubs play a vital role as a social hub in Queensland communities.”

North Queensland Cowboys player Cohen Hess said: “The initiative is something all the Cowboys players are passionate about. We’re proud to work with DrinkWise to remind Queenslanders to take care of one another.”

National Rugby League Dolphins player Felise Kaufusi said: “If choosing to drink alcohol at a game, at a club or at home, it should always be in moderation and respecting those around you.”

Backed by research

As an evidence-based organisation, DrinkWise relies on key independent research and clinical advice to underpin our campaigns and programs. This campaign was a collaboration with experts in research, public health and social marketing, in addition to being developed and tested with: