Staff in the licensed trade will have the chance to boost their skills and qualification levels, courtesy of a free training event. 
Organised by Southend Council the free session is funded by the 2014 SAB Miller Scholarship Programme, and is run in association with Essex Police. 
The training event leads to a British Institute of Innkeepers Level 1 qualification, recognised across the pub, bar and off license sector. 
The programme is sponsored by London-based SAB Miller, one of the world’s largest brewers, as part of the company’s commitment to discouraging irresponsible drinking. 
Executive councillor for regulatory services, Mike Assenheim, said: “It is very important to maintain the best standards we can in our licensed premises, so we hope that this course will help equip people with key knowledge and understanding. 
“This is an excellent opportunity for licensees to enable  staff to gain a nationally-recognised qualification free of charge, so we encourage local businesses to apply for the last few spaces before they are filled.” 
The session is on Monday, November 24, at the Tickfield Centre, 32 Tickfield Avenue, Southend. Full information is available from the Licensing Business Support unit at Southend Council. Call 01702 215000.