E-Malt.com News article: UK: Diageo Great Britain supports accreditation training for new Licencing Act.

Diageo Great Britain (GB) announced on January 20 it has partnered with the Responsible Training Company to deliver a new training programme, being rolled out next month. The course has been designed specifically to help the licensed trade meet the new legal requirement, as part of the recent Licensing Act reforms*, to now hold a personal license as well as the previously legally required premise license.

This new one-day course assists members of both the On and Off licensed trade to achieve a National Certificate for Personal License Holders*1 (NCPLH), a qualification necessary to apply for a personal license.

The training course educates participants about the new legislation and principles surrounding the responsible retailing of alcohol, including public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Gary Singleton, Category Development Manager for Diageo GB says: 'Diageo GB has an ongoing commitment to support the trade with training. We already run an award-winning2 On Trade training programme called esp3 (environment, service, products). This is why we have partnered with the Responsible Training Company to deliver the NCPLH course to help licensees meet the challenges of the new licensing reforms.'

Dave Richardson, Director of the Responsible Training Company comments: 'We recognise that licensees belong to a busy and demanding industry and therefore need an effective yet simple solution to align them with the new law. The course has therefore been designed to be engaging and interactive. We also employ full-time trainers, to ensure the highest levels of quality and service are maintained from the start of the course, through to completing the test at the end of the day.'

The first courses have been completed at two BIIAB (British Institute of Inkeeping Assessment Board) approved centres in London and Birmingham, with a 100 per cent pass rate to date. Plans are now underway to set up further approved training centres in all major cities across Britain.

To find out more or to book a course call 0121 472 9050 and speak to a Responsible Training Company dedicated customer service representative, or log on to www.trtc.co.uk and click on NCPLH (full on-line booking and payment facility available) or write to FREEPOST, The Responsible Training Company.

About Diageo:

Diageo Great Britain is the sales and marketing division of Diageo in Great Britain. Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business, owning such brands as SMIRNOFF®, GUINNESS®, GORDON'S ®, BELL'S ® and BAILEYS®.

Innovation has been pivotal to Diageo Great Britain's growth and there is a strong track record of success in this area over the last few years, including Smirnoff Ice and Baileys Minis. Most recently, Bell's Special Reserve Scotch Whisky, Smirnoff Norsk, J&B –6 Scotch Whisky and Slate 20 have all been successfully launched into the GB marketplace.

Diageo Great Britain is a member of The Portman Group, promoting responsible drinking. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for information and guidance on responsible drinking.


24 January, 2006