Grand Cayman, December 22^th, 2025

As part of its island-wide prevention and public safety strategy, the National Drug Council (NDC) has extended its Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) 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 critically, 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 another respected company, Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits, underscoring a collaborative approach among industry partners.

The training, conducted under the banner of RBS, 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, NDC 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.

“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,” said Brenda Watson, Director of the National Drug Council. “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. By investing in off-premise training for their teams, companies such as Blackbeard’s and Jacques Scott demonstrate leadership, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our communities across all three islands. This proactive approach helps ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly, laws are upheld, and harm is reduced before it occurs.”

“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,” said Simon Miller, Prevention Specialist at the National Drug Council. “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 NDC’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 RBS / off-premise training sessions are encouraged to visit www.ndc.ky or contact NDC at 949-9000 for more information and registration.

About the National Drug Council (NDC)

The National Drug Council is a statutory authority committed to reducing the harmful impacts of substance misuse through research, prevention, policy development, and evidence-based programming. The Council’s initiatives, including the Arrive Alive 345campaign, promote safe and healthy lifestyles across all communities of the Cayman Islands.