New responsible alcohol retailing group launched

A new training scheme to help bar staff recognise and handle alcohol excess before it gets out of hand has been launched today.

The training course is a central theme of the new National Licensed Trade Association (NLTA), launched by Helen Newlove who witnessed the tragic murder of her husband Garry at the hands of drunken youths in Warrington two years ago.

The NLTA brings together a raft of organisations from both public and private sectors, including Alcohol Concern, ambulance service, NHS, police and the drinks industry.

The NLTA will be dedicated to promoting responsible alcohol retailing, as well as developing skills and employment opportunities within the alcohol, retail and hospitality industries.

"The licensed trade industry is an important contributor to the wealth of our country," a spokesman said. "We should celebrate its role in society by recognising and professionalising the trade."

A new training scheme, called Barcode, has been developed for those in the pub trade. It is aimed at introducing a minimum level of training and skills for staff in pubs, clubs and bars and all areas where alcohol is solved.

The NLTA launch has been sponsored by Home Office minister Alan Campbell and has cross party support.

It will meet three times a year to examine ways of implementing strategies to make Britain's streets safer by working in partnership with the establishments selling alcohol, from small off licences to major supermarkets along with clubs and pubs.

"I believe bringing together strong like-minded representatives from the licensed trade, local and national government, Police, NHS and charities that our collective power and expertise can tackle our society's culture of binge drinking and alcohol abuse which leads to so much anti social behaviour in residential areas, our high streets and city centres," said Helen Newlove.

Irresponsible promotions​

The Home Office said that it was not recommending that the the training become compulsory for all staff at this stage but will adopt a "wait and see" approach as to how the scheme works in practice.

It said it was supportive of the group's aims and of every sector working together.

"Alcohol-related crime costs the UK billions of pounds every year and while the vast majority of retailers are responsible, a minority continue to run irresponsible promotions which fuel the excessive drinking that leads to alcohol-related crime and disorder," said Home Office minister Alan Campbell.

"Irresponsible practices have a real impact on society not to mention the lives of those who just want to enjoy a good night out.

"We have always been clear that we expect everyone to work together to tackle this, and the mandatory code will allow Government and industry to take action against this issue which affects us all."