Industry given last chance on irresponsible drinking

Industry leaders met with ministers this week in an attempt to stave off government legislation over irresponsible drinking.

The meeting saw pub company bosses and trade representatives thrash out plans with home secretary David Blunkett and culture minister Tessa Jowell on how the trade could meet the requirements of the government's Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.

Four main areas were under discussion: drinks promotions, binge-drinking, the code of good management practice for retailers and possible financial contributions.

Industry leaders - including chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive of Enterprise Inns Ted Tuppen, Luminar Leisure's Steve Thomas and Karen Jones of Spirit Group - pledged to work with the government to tackle the excessive drinking issue. However, there was a resounding "no" from the industry for any financial contributions in addition to taxes they already pay to be made.

Mr Tuppen said: "It was a very positive meeting. They want to work with the industry to solve the minority issue of irresponsible drinking.

"They recognise that pubs are the home of responsible drinking and they're aware of the role that the off-trade has in supplying drinks often at low prices. We share a mutual concern and pubs are part of the solution."

Mr Thomas, chief executive of Luminar Leisure, agreed that the meeting had been positive. "I just think the trade needs to be more realistic about our own agendas," he added. "We need to get together and get a solution to these issues."

Mark Hastings, director of communications for the BBPA, said: "It was a constructive meeting that recognised we share a common purpose in targeting irresponsible promotions."

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport said the home secretary and culture minister had a "valuable discussion" with key industry figures.

The trade will now put forward solutions to concerns about irresponsible drinking and promotions in a series of meetings with the government.

Steve Cahillane, chief executive of Interbrew, Giles Thorley, chief executive of Punch and Mitchells & Butlers managing director Mike Bramley were also present at the meeting.

The meeting coincided with the launch of a new safer drinking campaign by the Safer Warrington Partnership and Warrington Borough Council.