[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/SpiritPoster.jpg” caption=”That’s the Spirit alcohol awareness campaign poster.”]On Wednesday, Nov. 2, the McMaster University Student Centre marketplace will be a-buzz about booze.

The popular annual Alcohol Awareness Fair will be taking place to provide education about the potential harms of alcohol use and associated activities. This is a fun and interactive event of discovery about safe alcohol use.

There are many first-year McMaster students under the age of 19, resulting in inexperienced drinkers on campus. The Campus Health Centre wants to provide good information about the effects of alcohol: how it affects not only the drinker but also everyone and everything in his or her world. This includes physical effects, academics, relationships, personal judgement and risk taking behaviour.

More than a dozen groups from McMaster services and community agencies will be hosting awareness tables to present their message about safe alcohol use. The event is organized by the Health & Wellness Education Centre of Campus Health Centre. Other McMaster departments participating include Athletics and Recreation, Centre for Student Development, Residence Life, Judicial Affairs and Parking and Security Services. Student groups participating include Leave The Pack Behind, Emergency First Response Team and Student Health Education Centre. Community services at the fair will be Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Services of Hamilton, Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre.

There will be a broad range to the messages presented about alcohol use. Physical and performance consequences, sexuality, tobacco and other drugs, driving, violent behaviour and alternatives to drinking will all be covered.

The participants will be given a passport to the fair and a stamp as they visit each booth. Those who complete the passport requirements will be eligible to win great prizes that have been donated by McMaster and community supporters.