Princess Royal highlights social responsibilty of trade at BII lunch

HRH The Princess Royal highlighted the increasing importance of social responsibility within the drinks trade during her speech at the British Institute of Innkeeping's (BII) annual lunch.

The Princess, who is the president of the patrons of crime prevention charity Crime Concern, told the assembled audience last week that tackling crime and, in particular, alcohol-related crime, was the trade's greatest challenge.

She said it required joint action by the trade, police, government and other organisations such as Crime Concern.

She added: "Research shows people steer clear of town centres and establishments which gain a reputation - deserved or not - for being unsafe. Bad reputations are easy to gain and all too difficult to lose so it is not just staff and customers who are affected by crime but also your bottom line.

"But by working together and sharing experience of what works, considerable progress has been made."

Crime Concern has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at reducing crime including a mentoring scheme which offers advice and support to vulnerable young people who might otherwise turn to drink or drug abuse.

Responding to the Princess's observations, BII chief executive John McNamara said he would welcome the opportunity to work with other organisations to tackle crime and disorder.

He said: "In the past those in the trade may have been wary of organisations like Crime Concern, believing they may be a hidden threat to our businesses. HRH has opened a door for us to work in partnership to encourage local projects like mentoring, fostering better relationships between our industry and the community."

The BII lunch, at the prestigious Grosvenor House on London's Park Lane, was attended by over 1,000 key figures from across the industry and marked the BII's 21st anniversary.