Safer Bars Campaign

Starting May 2013 when you visit a bar or licensed liquor establishment, you may walk away with more than your favourite drink. A local committee comprised of representatives from Western Health and several community based organizations, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner brook Status of Women, Western Regional Coalition to End Violence, Grenfell Campus Students Union, and Community Mental Health Initiative have launched an awareness campaign to address some risks associated with drinking alcohol.

The fall 2013 Safer Bars Campaign is being re-launched to focus on post-secondary students, to help educate students and other bar patrons how to avoid some negative consequences that can be associated with a night out. The campaign's messages range from the importance of condom use and sexual consent, to responsible drinking. Several bars throughout the Western region of the province have agreed to participate in this campaign by displaying the campaign's colourful posters, coasters and condoms to promote safer bars.

The posters also have bar codes which can be scanned by smart phones for instant access to the campaign's website (www.clubcode.ca) which contains information about standard drink sizes, sexual violence, safer sex, drinking and driving, as well as local community resources and other sites to contact for additional assistance.

"We are excited that a number of local bar owners have agreed be a part of this initiative once again," said Kim Dawson. "They are helping us get important messages about drinking safely and safe sex to post-secondary students."

"As a bar owner and operator, it is important to be vigilant about the risks and responsibilities we have and that people need to be aware of," says Terry Randell, Liquor Services Coordinator with the Grenfell Campus Student Union. "The Back Lot is pleased to be a part of this initiative as we believe this is information that will be helpful to all of our patrons."

The committee is excited that a number of local bar owners have agreed to be a part of this initiative and to participate in pre and post evaluations to measure the success of the campaign.

If you are a bar owner or operator and would like to be involved,  please contact us.