Yates takes responsible retailing high ground
by Ewan Turney
A high-street bar operator has produced the most comprehensive responsible retailing policy so far in the industry, with managers' bonuses linked to best practice.
Yates Group bar managers and business development managers must implement the company's new nine-point responsible drinking charter, BarSafe, or risk losing their annual bonuses.
"It is highly likely that managers will lose their bonus if incidences of irresponsible drinking take place at their outlets and they have not taken the appropriate measures," said Yates chief executive Mark Jones. "Conversely, the opposite is true and managers at the best outlets will be rewarded. It is a stick and carrot approach."
Under the plan, Yates will contribute £50,000 a year in the form of a community fund to help local authorities provide night buses, more police, CCTV and portable toilets. It is now actively seeking applications and ideas from authorities to put the fund to good use.
"Lurid press and TV coverage, often unbalanced, has brought the spotlight to bear on drinks retailing," said Jones. "Yates Group believes the whole drinks retail industry is in danger of being brought into disrepute by the constant barrage of bad publicity. We must confront it head on."
The plan includes switchingall glassware to toughened glass and increasing its commitment to Pubwatch. At-tendance at Pubwatch meetings will be a requirement of entry into the bonus scheme. Jones is a big fan of Pubwatch and Yates has already contributed £7,500 to National Pubwatch.
There will be a minimum price of £1 for any spirit, shooter or bottle and £1.25 for pints. The company has pledged not to hold all-you-can-drink offers.
In a move which follows a trend set by JD Wetherspoon, the number of shots in a cocktail jug has been reduced from six to four but Yates will now only sell jugs to groups of two or more customers.
The price of soft drinks will be slashed in half after 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights to encourage their consumption and will be offered free of charge to the designated driver of a group.
"It draws on and improves best practice," said Jones. "It is our statement of intent."
He added: "At the same time, we're determined to defend young people's rights to have a great night out that's fun, exciting and in a safe environment."
Yates plans to implement all nine points by 1 November.
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Company takes industry plaudits
Nick Bish, chief executive, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers: "The Yates Group have taken this very seriously and have some very clever ideas. They are very suitable for the type of estate. Well done to any company to addressing and putting their management at branch level in the front line to have responsibility."
Jon Collins, chief executive, Bar Entertainment & Dance Association: "This is what we've been encouraging operators all across the country to do. It's especially important to get included in Pubwatch. It is tremendously useful that operators like Yates are prepared to pin their colours to the mast."
Malcolm Eidmans, honorary secretary, National Pubwatch: "To me, this has put social responsibility as high as it is possible to do. It is someone putting his money where his mouth is, which doesn't happen very often in this game. I would like to see other operators following suit."
BarSafe
1. Minimum Pricing £1.25 for pints, £1 for spirits.
2. No "all you can drink" offers.
3. All cocktail jugs reduced to four shots of alcohol.
4. Free and cheaper selected soft drinks after 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
5. Retrain all staff and increase induction training.
6. Increase commitment to Pubwatch initiatives.
7. Use toughened glassware.
8. BarSafe community fund.
9. Prerequisite of entry into Yates Group bar managers' and business development managers' annual bonus schemes.
