Pubs: A new type of experience?
03-Aug-2006
Next week (7 – 13 August) will see the first BII Responsible Alcohol Retailing Week, which culminates in a pub tour around the Fulham and Putney area with guests from Government, local authorities, police and the press on a BII branded double decker bus on 10th August.
By using a pub tour to highlight responsible alcohol retailing, BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, will illustrate the diversity and ambience of different styles of pubs. It aims to show that this is an experience that the licensed trade can and does encourage as opposed to creating a haven for underage drinkers and irresponsible drinks promotions that foster anti social behaviour.
In the lead up to the licensing act changes in November 2005, some commentators believed that the flexibility of extended hours in the nation’s pubs would lead to an increase in crime and disorder and unruly behaviour. However, 10 months on and the evidence suggests the demise of the terminal hour has led to positive improvements.
Last November, BII launched its a Responsible Alcohol Retailing campaign to emphasise the importance and raise the public’s awareness of high standards of its members; which the organisation knows is at the heart of ensuring a positive and sustainable night time economy.
John McNamara, Chief Executive of BII, said of the event, “The aim of the Pub Experience is to show how some of the best pubs are run. The tour will show the diversity of the pub experience; we will be visiting a gastro pub, a music venue, a community pub and a typical after work venue. There is something for everyone’s taste – just like pubs across the country. No one pub offers the same experience and we hope to show this on the 10th.
“We have over 17,500 members across the country operating in a socially responsible manner and contributing positively to their local communities and the night time economy in their areas.
“BII has been working hard over the last 25 years to increase the professionalism of the industry and promote a high level of social responsibility amongst licensees and staff. This, at times, seems to have been forgotten and as the professional body for the licensed retail sector it is our place to remind government, press and our customers of the huge contribution pubs provide to both local communities and the nation as a whole.”
| melanie@bii.org | |
| Contact | Melanie Taylor Communications Manager 01276 417863/ 07795 394660 |
