Providing non-alcoholic choices at CAF events helps create a healthier culture

The National Capital Region’s PSP Health Promotion  team recently launched a new initiative aimed at promoting healthier choices by offering non-alcoholic beverage options at CAF events. Sparked by the release of Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health in 2023, the program’s goal is to encourage members to consider drinking less and make non-alcoholic options a normalized part of CAF culture.

The Guidance on Alcohol and Health says about three-quarters of the Canadian population consume alcohol but warns that “alcohol is a leading preventable cause of death, disability and social problems, including certain cancers, cardiovascular and liver diseases, as well as injuries and violence.”(p. 6) In 2017, the report says, alcohol caused 18,000 deaths in the country. The report recommends Canadians consider limiting their alcohol use. 

As alcohol is often associated with social and traditional events across the CAF, the PSP team recognized the need for alternatives to support health, wellness and inclusivity. The result was to introduce a number of initiatives including, Healthy Holiday Happy Hour Leadership Events, free non-alcoholic drink sampling kiosks at mess functions, and dedicated mocktail lounges at unit social events. These initiatives have already been well-received, providing CAF members with a variety of non-alcoholic options to choose from in an environment that emphasizes health and inclusivity.

“We’re not telling people not to drink, but we want to normalize drinking less and dispel the myth that fun and socialization require alcohol,” explains Vicki Gill, Health Promotion Manager. “Our aim is to make sure that non-alcoholic options are visible and available at all times, helping members to make healthier choices that suit them.”

The Healthy Holiday Happy Hour Leadership offers leadership the opportunity to model these choices, encouraging a shift in culture from the top down. Leaders act as role models in their units and, by choosing non-alcoholic beverages, they set a standard that inspires others to do the same.

Additionally, the team has introduced non-alcoholic sampling kiosks at popular CAF venues in Ottawa, such as the six messes in the NCR and the Highlands Golf Club. CAF members were able to try alcohol-free versions of popular drinks, such as Guinness 0.0, Corona Sunbrew and Athletic Brewing Company’s IPAs, allowing them to experience a taste similar to traditional beverages, without the alcohol. At Highlands Golf Club, a small plate and non-alcoholic drink pairing event was held, which proved to be a huge success.

This initiative also brings recommended changes to the CAF’s alcohol permit system in the NCR, ensuring that any unit event serving alcohol includes non-alcoholic options as well. Gill has met with mess bar supervisors and staff to educate them on the benefits and availability of these options, reinforcing the importance of maintaining and promoting a variety of choices for members and being proud of their efforts to create supportive environments in their messes.

The efforts will be ongoing, with sampling kiosks and leadership events planned throughout the year to reinforce this message.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” adds Gill. “Many members have expressed gratitude for the ability to enjoy social events without the pressure to drink. It’s about providing options and making it okay to choose a healthier path.”

Following a Alcohol, Other Drugs, Gambling & Gaming Awareness (AODGGA) workshop, presented by Health Promotion, a Sergeant Major wrote to Gill to share how he was inspired to make changes to how his Command Team now approaches unit socials. “ … our Christmas Luncheon is next week.  We toyed with the idea of having 2x beer max per person, pre-paid only so that there would be no cash bar (and thus no opportunity for someone to be overserved) … we actually decided to just do free pop and that was after I spoke about de-institutionalizing alcohol consumption.  We assume that 20 or so of the 142 people will be upset about this but that’s the minority and we are satisfied with our decision. I’m proud that we took a bold leap.”

This campaign is part of the CAF’s ongoing commitment to well-being and resilience among its members, encouraging thoughtful choices and fostering a supportive community year-round.

PSP Health Promotion teams on Bases and Wings across Canada deliver the CAF Surgeon General’s Strengthening the Forces program, to empower individuals and communities in achieving better health and wellbeing. Contact your local PSP Health Promotion office for support with initiatives that can contribute to positive change.

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