Let’s work together
Now a firm fixture in the trade’s diary, the Responsible Drinks Retailing Conference and Awards, organised by Off Licence News and the Morning Advertiser, look to recognise best practice among both retailers and authorities.
A main thread running through the conference was how both the off and on-trade need to continue working together to tackle the complex issues around retailing drinks in a responsible way.
It was acknowledged there is a problem with the way some people behave when they’ve had too much to drink.
But it was also understood that the problem is unlikely to go away, which means it is the job of everyone involved in selling alcohol to understand how best to manage and minimise the problem.
Home office minister James Broken-shire also underlined this message when he told conference attendees: “The alcohol-retailing community has an essential part to play in reducing the problems caused by alcohol.”?He praised projects such as Community Alcohol Partnerships, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and Pubwatch. He said: “These organisations aren’t controlled by central government, but they have had an impact on reducing alcohol- related crime and disorder.”?Chairman of Reading Pubwatch Bill Donne said the scheme worked best when the off and on-trade co-operated.
He said it was an “integral part of the local community” and had helped to contribute towards an 11% decline in violent crime in the city.
Philip Loring, from the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group, which is made up of retailers including convenience stores and supermarkets, said he was looking to extend the reach of Community Alcohol Partnerships to a national level. He explained how CAPs were all about sharing information between retailers, police and local authorities to try and prevent under-age sales.
Now in their seventh year, the RDR Awards recognise organisations and businesses that go the extra mile to make sure alcohol is sold in a responsible way and help to make their communities safer.
This year’s winners were selected for by a panel of judges who were impressed with their innovative projects.
Highly Commended: Watford Borough Council and Doncaster Council?
Highly Commended: Devon & Cornwall Police?