'Stafford's responsible retailing has lapsed'
A leading licensee has hit out at a lapse in responsible retailing in his trading area of Stafford - including a return to all-inclusive deals.
Current BII Licensee of the Year Chris Lewis said: "Three years ago I was proud to say that Stafford had a pro-active and responsible licensed community, with the majority of retailers and the police communicating to promote the safety of our customers and visitors to the town centre.
"Unfortunately that now seems to have dissolved and irresponsible drinks promotions have reappeared on our high street."
Lewis is managing partner of the Lewis Partnership, which runs the Swan and the Bear in Stafford. He also helped set up the town's Pubwatch scheme.
He added: "Once again we have premises offering discounted drinks, happy hours and even 'all-you-can-drink-for-£10' offers.
"I fully understand the need for businesses to market themselves and attract business but promoting the rapid or vast consumption of alcohol only leads to problem customers and often results in drink-related crime.
"It is a shame that these practices have re-appeared on our streets and it for this reason that the Government are considering introducing minimum charges for drinks, because as an industry we are failing to administer responsible retailing ourselves."
