As part of its island-wide prevention and public safety strategy, the National Drug Council has extended its Responsible Beverage Service and off-premise alcohol sales training to key distributors and retail outlets, reaffirming a strong commitment to safe and responsible alcohol service across all points of sale.
In its most recent round of training, members of a major distributor group on Grand Cayman participated and the distributor extended the opportunity by sending staff from their retail outlet on Cayman Brac (Blackbeard’s) to join the off-premise training session held on the island. Also joining were representatives from Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits, underscoring a collaborative approach among industry partners, said the National Drug Council in a press release.
The training, conducted under the banner of responsible beverage service, is designed for off-premise sellers and focuses on the unique challenges of alcohol sales for take-home consumption.
Participants received instruction on essential safe-selling practices, including verifying IDs, recognising signs of intoxication, refusing sales when necessary, and understanding their responsibility under the law, all tailored to the retail setting.
By equipping distributors and retail staff with these tools, the National Drug Council said it aims to reduce alcohol-related harm, prevent underage sales and over-service, and ensure that Cayman Islands’ communities benefit from safer consumption practices across both hospitality and retail sectors.
Brenda Watson, director of the National Drug Council added, “We are encouraged to see members of the distributor and retail community actively partnering with the National Drug Council to strengthen responsible alcohol practices beyond bars and restaurants. Responsible service must extend across the entire supply chain – including distributors, retail outlets, convenience stores and package stores – as every point of sale plays a role in protecting public safety. ”
Watson said, “This proactive approach helps ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly, laws are upheld, and harm is reduced before it occurs.”
Simon Miller, prevention specialist at the National Drug Council said, “Working with the teams from Blackbeard’s and Jacques Scott’s on Cayman Brac showed once again how seriously retailers take their role in protecting the community.
“Their willingness to prioritise training, refresh their knowledge, and integrate best practices into daily operations reflects a shared vision to ensure that responsible service, sound judgment, and public safety are upheld throughout the entire sales chain, not just on-premises.”
This initiative is part of National Drug Council’s broader, coordinated campaign to cover every aspect of alcohol service and sales across the Cayman Islands, from resorts and bars to distributors and retail stores, reinforcing the message of the Arrive Alive 345 campaign: ‘Designate before you celebrate. Drive Safe. Drive Sober. Ride Free on New Year’s Eve.’
Retail outlets, distributors and package stores interested in registering for upcoming Responsible Beverage Service off-premise training sessions are encouraged to visit www.ndc.ky or contact NDC at 949-9000 for more information and registration.
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