RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

Drink Aware India

What is Drink Aware India?

Drink Aware India is an independent program funded by the industry to run education campaigns on responsible consumption of alcohol. It can provide you with information about drinking responsibly and keeping safe.

Being in the alcohol business for over a decade, Sandy feels that there is a huge void in the industry, due to lack of awareness about alcohol consumption. He has started this program to create awareness amongst consumers, the trade and bartenders to spread the message.

"Serve Responsibly and Drink Responsibly".

At the end of the day, we need to do the business based on ethics and moral values benefiting the society. At BAR WIZARD, we believe that it is our moral responsibility to spread the awareness for “being responsible” while consuming alcohol.

To support this cause we have started the Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI), whose prime responsibility is to educate people about alcohol and its applications.

"I appeal to people to come forward and support this cause in any way they can. Even a small financial contribution or volunteering to assist us in anyway will be the first step towards achieving this Herculean task." is what Sandy has to say.

The funds and sponsorships generated would be utilized to conduct the campaigns, print brochures and merchandise, to conduct seminars for the consumer as well as trade community, spread awareness through media and the other related activities. Our associated Bar Schools are committed to promoting responsible drinking on all of its wine and spirit courses. To assist them with this, the Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) is working with a number of bartenders, hotels, bars and restaurants, trade and corporate companies to spread awareness about Drink Aware India.

Alcohol and Responsible Drinking

Alcohol

  • Alcohol, in chemical terms, contains a hydroxyl (hydrogen and oxygen) group attached to a saturated carbon atom. Therefore any compound that combines hydrogen, oxygen and carbon atoms together to form molecules are members of the alcohol family of chemicals.
  • There are various kinds of alcohol, but only ethyl can be taken with safety.
  • Ethyl alcohol derived from the fermentation of grapes or other sugar containing liquid. The enzymes created by yeast cells convert the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol as well as into carbon dioxide.
  • Ethanol is the only alcohol that is safe to drink till today. To the layman, the term: ‘alcohol’ is widely used rather than the chemist term ethyl alcohol or ethanol.
  • Pure alcohol is colourless and will ignite at -12o C .
  • Ethyl alcohol or Ethanol is potable, clear, colourless with an ethereal odour and a warm, burning, slightly sweet taste. It is a volatile, flammable substance that burns with a blue flame and is also hygroscopic (water-absorbing).
  • It is completely mixable with water in any proportion.
  • It vaporizes at 78.3o C and freezes at -113o C.
  • Alcohol should be consumed in moderate quantity. It has a pleasing and soporific (sleep-inducing) effect. It is this ability to allow its consumer to loosen their inhibitions and relax that made alcohol prized and sought after.
  • Continuous and repeated excessive consumption can lead to alcohol dependency.

Dispelling Myths About Alcohol

  • Alcohol is not a stimulant.
  • Alcohol does not have nutritional value.
  • It is not possible to prevent symptoms of a hangover e.g. by eating fats or taking massive doses of vitamins before heavy drinking.
  • Drinking large quantities of black coffee or taking a cold shower cannot counteract the effects of alcohol.
  • Straight whiskey will not affect a person more rapidly than a whiskey and soda.
  • It’s not a sign of maturity to be able to hold your liquor.

How Alcohol Affects A Person

  • Alcohol takes as little time as three minutes after it has been swallowed to reach the brain. The exact amount of time varies among individuals.
  • When alcoholic beverage is consumed, a small portion of the pure alcohol is absorbed directly and immediately into the bloodstream through the stomach walls.
  • The rest of the alcohol is processed at a slightly slower rate through the small intestine and into the bloodstream.
  • The alcohol-laden blood is pumped through the body by the heart where it eventually transports the alcohol to the liver which oxidises and breaks down the alcohol. 90 to 98 % of all alcohol ingested will be oxidised by the liver into water and carbon dioxide. The rest of the 2 to 8% of alcohol is excreted through our breath, urine, saliva, tears.
  • The liver of a male is capable of breaking down the equivalent of one standard drink per hour or 80 grams of pure alcohol in 24 hours while the liver of a female is only half as efficient.
  • As a guide to the amount of drinks one consumes within safety limit, listed are the alcohol strength of principal drinks:
Beer4% to 11% alcohol by volume
Wine (Red, White, Rose, Sparkling)7% to 14% alcohol by volume
Fortified Wines18% to 21% alcohol by volume
Vermouth16% to 20% alcohol by volume
Brandy40% alcohol by volume
Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka40% to 45% alcohol by volume
Liqueurs (varies from very low to very high)11% to 45% alcohol by volume

Women Get Drunk Faster Than Men

  • Recent research suggests that drink for drink, women get drunk faster than men.
  • It is believed that this is because women have fewer enzymes in the liver and gut wall that break down alcohol before it enters the bloodstream.
  • Women's safe limit is about half that of men.
  • It was also found that women alcoholics do more harm to their bodies than men. Liver disease, brain damage and mental defects like memory loss and reduced ability to solve problems start earlier for them.
  • As if such news are not depressing enough, it is also found that women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and other additive disorders.

Legal Limits

  • We can tell how much the brain is affected by measuring the amount of alcohol in the blood. This is known as B.A.C. (blood-alcohol-concentration).
  • Most countries have a legal limit for blood alcohol concentration. If one is found driving with a higher amount of BAC in our blood than the legal limit one may face legal action. The limits and the application of the law differ in different countries.
  • As a precaution, one should not drive if one consume alcoholic beverage.
  • A drink is taken as a 330 ml can of beer, a 120 ml glass of wine or a 30 ml measure of spirit (brandy, whisky, vodka, rum or gin).

Hangovers

  • The hangover is a symptom that results from having consumed too much alcoholic beverages.
  • Hangover causes the body to suffer the following conditions:
    • Dehydration
    • Low blood sugar
    • Irritation of the stomach lining
  • The dehydration is caused by the diuretic action of the alcohol. At the same time, the body’s natural anti-diuretic hormones are suppressed. This causes the body to lose more water that it otherwise would.
  • Besides making the person feel thirsty, dehydration also causes headaches. Combined with the effects of the toxin-like congeners, the effects are very acute and intense headaches occur. The person also becomes very sensitive to light and prefers the dark.
  • Alcohol causes the body to produce insulin which burns up the blood sugar. This results in low blood sugar which shows up as drowsiness, faintness and hunger which manifest itself as shivering.

Cure for Hangovers

  • However, we can ease the uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with a hangover. The following actions can ease and give comfort:
    • Drink lots of water
    • Consume glucose dissolved in the water
    • Take small doses of vitamin B and C
    • Use mild analgesics like paracetamol
  • Rehydrating the body cells and organs allows the natural healing process to occur while glucose helps the body absorb the water faster as well as replenish the blood sugar.
  • Vitamin B and C generally helps the liver and the body's nervous system cope with the symptoms while pain killers (analgesics) such as paracetamol (sold commercially as Panadol) help deal with the general pain and headaches.
  • One of the best things to do if a person has had too much alcohol is to drinks lots of water with some glucose and vitamin B and C before retiring to bed to rest. Orange juice is a handy and easily available mixture of water, glucose and vitamin C.
  • Taking paracetamol is not recommended unless necessary or until the symptoms manifest themselves and aspirins are not recommended as they are acidic in nature and may only irritate the upset stomach further.

Serving Alcohol With Care

  • You may be aware that in most countries it is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person. Know your country’s legal limits for B.A.C.
  • Definition of an intoxicated person is in terms of their blood-alcohol-concentration.
  • Some experienced bartenders have developed a sense of awareness of when a guest is becoming intoxicated by judging the changes in their behaviours.
  • As alcohol causes dehydration. An intoxicated person is very likely to demand for more drinks. You should cut off serving alcoholic beverages but instead should offer non-alcoholic beverages.

Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI)

ABOUT

The Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) is an organization formed in New Delhi in 2018 by a small group of Bartenders and elite community of professionals associated with beverage industry, with a simple mission: to foster community and promote awareness about responsible drinking and the advancement of the profession of Bartending in India.

One of our main functions is to serve as an educational platform for our members to learn more about service, spirits, beer, wine, and cocktails. We also partner up with bar industry brands and companies through associate memberships, providing opportunities for bartenders to connect with bartenders and work together to push the industry in new and exciting directions. The BBAI represents a collective voice for bar owners, liquor companies & bartenders to have a constructive dialogue with their respective regional liquor licensing and excise departments across India, with the aim of raising awareness of quality products to provide to consumers.

You must own or associated with a bar, liquor trade or be a bartender working in India to join the Bars &. Bartenders Association of India (BBAI)
Membership for the BBAI gives bartenders the exposure to the array of events and competitions held throughout the year and around the globe by both BBAI or other liquor company. The Association promotes a high standard of workmanship and encourages the development of creative new cocktails through rewarding competitions both at home and abroad. The Association also maintains a strict code of ethics within the bartending business. It also provides a forum for communication between its members and associate members from the wine and spirit trades. This relationship provides opportunities for the drinks trade to present new brands, hold tasting events and sponsor cocktail competitions.

We are a registered Company under the Company Law and BBAI works on a Non-Profit policy. All of the funds we raise are allocated to provide events, education and benefits for our membership.

We invite working or aspiring Bartenders and industry friends to join our growing community and connect with other passionate, like-minded individuals through our website and by attending events happening in your local community.

COMMITTEE

  • Vice President
  • Vice President
  • Director & Treasurer
  • Director & Secretary
  • Director
  • Director
  • Director
  • Director

Constitution

The purpose of BBAI is:

  • To make available the opportunity for the exchange of news, techniques, and ideas between association members to encourage a high standard of competence and conduct for the benefit and advancement of the profession of Bartending in India.
  • To spread awareness about Responsible Drinking through Responsible Service of Alcohol
  • To encourage the standardization of established and new mixed drink recipes.
  • To establish an apprenticeship program led by BBAI sanctioned members.
  • To endorse and promote educational facilities and courses for bartending.
  • To provide educational seminars and workshops for employers to encourage staff development and competence in the profession of bartending and reach out with awareness about Responsible Drinking.
  • To provide a web-based resource for the further education and advancement of BBAI members.
  • To promote a close relationship and liaison between the association members and respective regional and national liquor licensing and excise bodies.
  • To host an annual bartending competition and a industry conference for networking, open to all BBAI members.

Membership Codes of Conduct

  • All members of the Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) agree to uphold the BBAI constitution both in spirit and in practice at their respective workplaces.
  • Members are also expected to uphold these standards while representing the BBAI at hospitality industry events or competitions, and while patronizing other establishments both locally and abroad.
  • All BBAI members are expected to encourage and support fellow members in the common pursuit of knowledge, advancement and development in the bartending profession in India.
  • All (BBAI) members agree to abstain from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and to take reasonable steps to prevent others from getting behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
  • All memberships are subject to review by the BBAI committee as circumstances or events dictate.
  • BBAI memberships/renewals can be denied, suspended, or revoked without refund or notice if deemed necessary by a majority vote of the BBAI committee at an official BBAI meeting.

MEMBERSHIP

You must own or associated with a bar, liquor trade or be a bartender working in India to join the Bars &. Bartenders Association of India (BBAI)

Individual Membership

The Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) is a group formed to exchange of news, techniques and ideas between members to encourage high standards and advancement of the profession of Bartending in India. All of the funds we raise go towards events and education for Bartenders across India. . The BBAI will work towards becoming a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) with the goal of giving India International representation in the global Bartending community.

If you are a Bartender in India you are an eligible member.

Current Benefits:
  • Subscription to Magazine
  • Knowledge, Education, Job & Career Opportunities
  • Training & Certification in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
  • News and Updates from the industry
  • Yearly Competition
  • Accidental Death Insurance
  • 10% discount on training courses of associated Bar Schools

Download PDF Membership Form

Fees:
  • 1 Year Membership: INR. 3000.00
  • 3 Year Membership: INR. 7500.00

Bar Membership

The Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) invites all interested bars & liquor serving establishments to join our community of industry professionals as a Bar Member. Bar Membership to the BBAI provides a direct link to the people who sell your product, the bartenders themselves, the liquor companies. This partnership will further strengthen relationships between liquor suppliers and purchasers while connecting the people behind bars with the Brands and products they pour. Bar Members are given an opportunity to co-host official BBAI events and opportunity directly or through their company representatives to speak directly about their issues, suggestions to the community of committed bartending professionals and to jointly resolve by presenting the same to the official government bodies.

If you own a bar or an establishment serving liquor in India you are an eligible member.

Current Benefits:
  • Subscription to Bar Wizard Magazine
  • Training & Certification of your staff in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
  • Knowledge, Education & Liquor Promotion Opportunities
  • Training for your staff from professionals at a discount cost.
  • Logo placement on our website.
  • Opportunity to connect with a pool of bartenders and liquor brands.
  • Opportunity to address your issues, concerns in the monthly meetings.
  • Opportunity to promote your event through our website to our database.
  • News and Updates from the industry
  • To host our monthly meetings & Yearly Competitions
  • Certificate of Membership for outlet display

Download PDF Membership Form

More member benefits to come as we grow:

Fees:
  • 1 Year Membership: INR 17,500.00
  • 3 Year Membership: INR 45,000.00

Associate Membership

The Bars & Bartenders Association of India (BBAI) invites all interested liquor brands and other companies like Bar Schools to join our community of industry professionals as an Associate Member. Associate Membership to the BBAI provides a direct link to the people who sell your product, the bartenders themselves. This partnership will further strengthen relationships between liquor suppliers and purchasers while connecting the people behind bars with the Brands and products they pour. Associate Members are given an opportunity to co-host official BBAI events and invite Brand Ambassadors, distillers and company representatives to speak directly to the community of committed bartending professionals.

Current Benefits:
  • Logo placement on BBAI website, links to your brand website
  • Access to the BBAI website resources
  • Invitation to monthly BBAI meetings hosted by the BBAI committee and attended by BBAI members, guest speakers and fellow industry professionals
  • Opportunity to invite your brand ambassadors, distillers, winemakers to speak at monthly meetings
  • Opportunity to showcase products by sponsoring a vendor table at monthly meetings
  • Receive monthly newsletter from the BBAI
  • Opportunity to participate in the annual BBAI cocktail competition
Fees:
  • INR 25,000.00 Annually per brand for BBAI Associate Membership for maximum 2 brands
  • INR 15,000.00 annually per brand beyond 2 brands.
  • INR 12,500.00 (plus product) for a Vendor table at monthly BBAI meetings

*note: there is a maximum of two vendor tables per meeting.

SPONSORS

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