COLES stores in Pakenham have thrown their support behind a new campaign targeting the drinking habits of young people.
DrinkWise will build on the success of its award-winning How to Drink Properly campaign by reminding young residents to “stay classy” and drink responsibly during Schoolies and the holiday season.
Launched in February, the ground-breaking social marketing program challenges the often harmful drinking culture among many young Australians by reframing moderation as a socially-acceptable behaviour.
A DrinkWise spokesperson said the campaign targets 18 to 24 year-olds and challenges them to “stay classy” by moderating the intensity and frequency of their drinking.
“The participating retailers are predominantly Coles stores and their affiliated BWS stores,” he said.
“Most retailers are showing support through in-store activations.
“This involves displaying merchandise and branding from the recent national DrinkWise ‘How to Drink Properly’ campaign along with having staff of the participating retailers available to discuss the campaign and provide tips on ways to drink properly.”
The second phase will introduce a series of new animations and promotional materials across television, digital, on-premise and at point of sale in Schoolies’ hotspots and social media.
DrinkWise will also host ‘All Class’ activations at Melbourne and Sydney Airports prior to Schoolies on the Gold Coast, providing school-leavers with gift packs and tips to “stay classy” on their travels.
DrinkWise chief executive John Scott said the campaign had already shown early positive behavioural shifts among young Australians in relation to responsible alcohol consumption.
“How to Drink Properly allows DrinkWise and its contributors to work closely and effectively to reinforce moderate drinking behaviour and promote a safer, healthier drinking culture in Australia,” he said.
“One-third of 18 to 24 year-olds who experienced the first phase of the campaign reported they subsequently drank less on a night out and 80 per cent considered the benefits of responsible drinking.
“DrinkWise is using a combination of poignant and targeted messaging and practical tips and resources to remind Schoolies’ visitors to enjoy themselves, but also to be aware of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.
“This second phase is talking to them at a critical stage of the drinking cycle: before the partying gets into full swing and to arm them with information and incentives to moderate excessive drinking.”
DrinkWise ambassador Dr Andrew Rochford has added weight to the program with advice for parents and support materials to help parents set realistic expectations for their kids, while ensuring lines of communication remain open.
More information is available at www.drinkwise.org.au.
