At Grolsch we find it important to promote responsible alcohol use, which is why we are actively committed to reducing alcohol abuse. In collaboration with Rijden Zonder Invloed (Non-drink-driving), we developed a new face-to-face training for bar volunteers in the Netherlands, who run bar services at, among others, associations and events. In this training, in which theory is alternated with practical cases, participants learn how to deal with (difficult) situations regarding responsible alcohol behaviour. Consider, for example, how you can best reject alcohol to under aged people and how to prevent people from drinking alcohol while you know they still have to drive. At the end, a test is taken after which the participants receive certificates. We actively offer this training to all our customers with a focus on sports and student associations and events throughout the Netherlands in order to stimulate responsible alcohol behaviour.

Watch the video about the new face-to-face training Instructie Verantwoord Alcoholschenken here.

Naturally, we also pay a lot of attention to responsible alcohol consumption within the company, as we have an important role to play: providing accurate, considered information about responsible alcohol consumption and making sure that, as Grolsch employees, we take our responsibility during work and in our free time. Our employee guidelines can be found in our alcohol policy. All our employees follow these guidelines. In our Beer Ambassador Programme, a basic programme about beer, the brewing process, our brands and our company, all employees are also told about Grolsch’s vision on responsible alcohol consumption.

In the Netherlands, it is estimated that over 500 children are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year, resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Grolsch supports the FAS project in order to continue to increase awareness of FAS in the Netherlands. We want to communicate clearly that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is an irresponsible choice. In 2018, we made a financial contribution to an animated video developed by the FAS project. The aim of the animation is to inform viewers of the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the consequences it may have for children. This video will be launched in 2019.

In December 2018, pupils of the Van der Waalslaan location of Enschede’s Bonhoeffer College were invited to the Grolsch Reception Centre to experience first hand what it is like to participate in traffic under the influence of alcohol, among other things. Not in reality, of course, but virtually. The future and starting drivers could use a 3D-tripping simulator to safely experience that alcohol and traffic are not a good match. A great example of a cooperative effort to promote responsible alcohol consumption. Grolsch facilitated the event, supporting the Rijden zonder Invloed campaign.

More info: Press release and video for Rijden zonder Invloed.

In Cooperation with Veilig Verkeer Nederland, which promotes traffic safety in the Netherlands, the ‘Rijden Zonder Invloed’ Campaign, and Military Boekelo – Enschede, we set up another BOB promotion at October’s Military. During the event, invited guests were allowed to park on a special part of our parking area, featuring an alcohol barrier. Cars would only be allowed to leave this part of the site if the designated driver hadn’t consumed any alcohol at all. After the event, the designated driver took a breath test to prove that they had not had any alcohol. If they passed the test, the alcohol barrier would be opened and the designated driver would be given a special key chain and a six-pack of Grolsch 0.0% as a reward.