M&B's underage policy gets results

Staff in Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) pubs are refusing service to 50,000 young people each month, thanks to the company's beefed up alco-hol and social responsibility policy.

An improved package of staff training seeks to educate and support staff in identifying underage drinkers.

M&B is now recording every service refusal across its 2,000-strong estate as part of the enhanced policy, which includes tighter guidelines on the sale and promotion of alcohol and Challenge 21 directives alongside better staff training and

development.

Public affairs director Simon Ward said: "The huge figure of recorded refusals highlights the challenges faced by our staff on a daily basis.

"They are in the front line when it comes to upholding the law. Our new policy marks a continuing commitment to best practice in alcohol and social-responsibility standards, and we are equipping our staff with the tools and policies to run successful, but at the same time, responsible businesses."

M&B employs 44,000 staff across its estate, who are all being briefed on the updated policy.