Next Course Date - To be announced shortly
Details on the next RTC Course will be announced shortly.
If you or your staff members have not attended the RTC in the last two years we would recommend that you attend the next course. We are currently taking names of interested outlets so if you wish to be added to the list please contact anita@noffla.ie
Responsible Trading in the Community” (RTC) Programme
In response to the many issues pertaining to underage drinking and in advance of the Government proposal to introduce mandatory training for all staff selling alcohol, the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has developed a professional accreditation initiative, formalising the commitment of NOffLA members to responsible trading. This initiative has generated extremely positive feedback from NOffLA members and has been applauded as a practical and worthwhile response to the problem of underage drinking.
The “Responsible Trading in the Community” (RTC) Programme is a community relation’s scheme for NOffLA members, which responds to the implications of the Licensing Liquor laws; the poor uptake of the Age Card; the increase in court cases involving off-licences and the increase in Secondary Purchasing.
NOffLA members, who successfully complete the programme, are awarded “Responsible Trading in the Community Accreditation” which can be displayed on their premises. The initiative aims to assist NOffLA members to demonstrate the level of responsibility they attribute to the problem of underage drinking and to acknowledge the contribution made by NOffLA members in tackling this problem in a proactive manner.
The criteria for accreditation are as follows:
Completion of a comprehensive Induction Course which, not only covers legal and legislative issues, but deals with enforcement of ID requirements, liaison with An Gardai and a study of the influences and possible solutions to underage drinking and alcohol abuse;
- An obligation to ensure that staff working in retail outlets are fully briefed on the law, on their responsibilities and on how to deal with attempts at underage or secondary purchasing.
- Training staff on how to identify and refuse underage customers;
- Participating outlets will be obliged to prominently display materials, highlighting licensing laws and the penalties and consequences of being found to be in breach of the law;
- Members will also be obliged to participate in a self-policing initiative, which includes random spot checks ensuring compliance with the law.
NOffLA members who are successful and receive RTC Accreditation know the importance of training staff in such a specialised industry and are committed to running their business in an appropriate and professional manner. Accredited member outlets are entitled to display a certificate and door decal in-store, which demonstrates that they take their social responsibility seriously.
NOffLA is the representative body for over 330 off-licences nationwide and aims to have all members accredited to RTC by the end of 2008.
If you would like further information on the scheme, or you wish to apply for NOffLA Membership or RTC Accreditation, please contact NOffLA directly.