roads.

The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse yesterday launched the pilot session of Responsible Beverage Service, a training programme that teaches alcohol serving practices at licensed alcohol on-the-premises establishments.

Selected staff at the Southampton Princess Hotel and Flanagan's Irish Pub and Restaurant are the first to be trained in the safe and responsible service of alcohol.

In a Press release, Dominique Smith, executive director of CADA, said: "RBS is a promising strategy because it involves working with the owners and management of local alcohol establishments to create policies that guide and govern staff who sell and serve alcohol.'' She said the goal was to have staff at every licensed alcohol outlet participate in the training.

CADA also intends for RBS to have an accreditation programme. It is a joint project between CADA, the National Drug Commission, and the Bermuda College.

In a related development, Fresco's Restaurant on Friday will launch the Anti-Drunk Driving Programme organised by the Road Safety Council and the Road Safety Officer.

Claudio Vigilante, manager of Fresco's on Chancery Lane, said the restaurant owners and staff were happy to be a part of the programme.

"We are committed to doing our share to see that behaviours change in the areas surrounding drunk driving in and about the roads of Bermuda,'' Mr.

Vigilante said.

The launch will start at 5 p.m. and will feature a button give-a-way and a ceremony honouring the road safety disc jockey of the year.