BII Chief Exec slams irresponsible drinks promotions

14-May-2003

Irresponsible drinks promotions must be stopped if the pub trade wants to be taken seriously as a profession, John McNamara, Chief Executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), told guests at this year’s BII Annual Luncheon.

In a speech that touched on many of the tough challenges and changes the industry faces over the coming months and years, Mr McNamara told the assembled industry figures that pubs had to be seen as socially responsible if they were to win over the public and the politicians.

He highlighted the problem of cut price promotions and advised all licensees to think carefully before competing on price.

He said: "Everyday there are new and increasingly imaginative sensible promotions being introduced by drinks companies and professional licensees that support good profitable businesses – but there are still a small minority that cross the thin red line of acceptability.

"If you are running a 10p a shot promotion or a cut price all you can drink evening then I have this advice for you – STOP THEM NOW!

"Introduce all the promotions you like and compete freely by all means but please – keep them responsible!"

Mr McNamara’s speech, to an audience of over 1,000 at the prestigious Le Meridien Grosvenor House hotel on London’s Park Lane, also tackled the issues of smoking in pubs and the ongoing discussions on proposals for licensing reform.

He warned licensees that the threat of a smoking ban was very real and urged them to sign up to the voluntary charter on smoking to help prove to ministers that self-regulation can work.

He also pledged to ensure that all BII members were kept up to date on the latest news on licensing reform and promised to give guidance and support to them as they enter a new licensing era.

Key note speaker MP John Grogan, Chariman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s licensing reform panel, praised the BII for its work in encouraging social responsibility within the trade.

He said: "The BII is probably responsible above all other organisations for massively improving professional standards in the industry over the last few years."

He also touched on the issue of licensing reform and warned licensees not to be sidetracked by the "self-fulfilling prophecies of doom" expounded by the media and others.

He said: "Lets make the most of the changes coming as a country and as an industry."

This year’s Luncheon was sponsored by Diageo Great Britain which continues its support for the event for the14th year running.

Notes to Editors

The BII is the professional body for the licensed trade. It has around 15,500 members and last year BIIAB processed over 80,000 qualifications. Its mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector; to encourage new entrants into the industry, and to help them develop their long-term careers. To provide all our members with high quality information, skills and qualifications to help them succeed in their business activities.

Ref: ES/BII/PR0692

EMail: erica@bii.org

Contact: Erica Snedker, Communications Executive on 01276 417805 or Caroline Nodder, Corporate Communications Manager on 01276 417838/07855 841216.