Industry think tank to explore social responsibility issue

Leading executives from the drinks industry and pub sector will come together this spring to discuss the issues surrounding the sale of alcohol in the UK.

They will meet with other key stakeholders including police, medical professions, politicians and representatives from the off-trade sector to discuss and debate this complex subject.

This high-level seminar and think-tank — organised by M&C Report and its publishing house William Reed Business Media — will take place on 3 March at Claridges Hotel in London.

Mark Stretton, editor of M&C Report and conference chair, said: "Although it comes amid a difficult trading period for the sector, it feels like there has never ever been greater scrutiny — from politicians, police and the health lobby — on the way

alcohol is sold today. It is perhaps the single biggest issue for drinks makers and pub operators.

"The aim of this conference is to bring together various stakeholders to exchange views, enhance understanding and hopefully find some common ground from which all parties can agree to work together."

The day will feature presentations from:

• Dr Noel Olsen, of the Royal College of Physicians, who will outline the key objectives of the health lobby. A former chair of the Alcohol & Education Trust, and of ASH, he will explain why his organisation is calling for higher taxes and greater restrictions on the availability of alcohol.

• MP for Selby John Grogan, a vocal supporter of pubs and the beer industry, who will map out the steps he believes manufacturers and retailers must take to avert heavy sanctions in the escalating political battle over alcohol.

• Dr Fiona Measham, a senior lecturer in Criminology at Lancaster University, will discuss the key findings of several large-scale studies she has led, exploring young people's alcohol use, the problems of social consumption, a new culture of intoxication, and the criminalisation of leisure.

• Commander Simon O'Brien, the lead on alcohol for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), who will outline his organisations view on the challenge of policing Britain's night-time economy, and the partnerships he envisages building with other stakeholders.

Discussion groups will feature: Nick Bish, chief executive, ALMR; Jeremy Blood, managing director, Scottish & Newcastle UK; Jon Collins, chair, Noctis; Mark Hastings, communications director, BBPA; Andrew Pring, editor, Morning Advertiser; Steve Richards, chief executive, Novus Leisure; and Stephen Thomas, chief executive, Luminar.

If you would like more information about Alcohol and Social Responsibility: dealing with Britain's drink problem, which is supported by the Morning Advertiser and OLN, or to confirm a ticket, please Helen Law 01293 846587.