Retailers appoint consultant to help beat underage sales

The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) has appointed a consultant to help local authorities tackle underage drinking.

The RASG was set up in 2005 by high street retailers in a bid to drive down underage sales.

Philip Loring, formerly head of operations for First Quench Retailing, will work with retailers and enforcement agencies under the nine existing Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) schemes to develop new and existing projects.

"Retailers have done much already to address the issue of underage alcohol purchase and I am confident our development of Community Alcohol Partnerships will continue to have an impact," said Loring.

Nick Grant, chairman of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group, said: "We're delighted to have Philip on board to build on the success we have achieved and extend the successful CAP model into new areas around the country.

"I am sure Philip's experience in the retail trade will help other retailers and enforcement agencies understand the benefits of partnership working."