The creation of a new trade body focused on training barstaff to handle alcohol excess has been broadly welcomed by the trade — though the BII warned there is a "risk of duplication of effort".
The National Licensed Trade Association (NLTA) launched yesterday, fronted by Helen Newlove, whose husband was murdered by a drunken gang two years ago, is backed by the Home Office (New responsible alcohol retailing group launched).
Its main aim is to promote responsible alcohol retailing and it has designed Barcode, a new training scheme to introduce a minimum skill level for pub staff, to help increase standards.
"I believe our collective power and expertise can tackle our society's culture of binge drinking and alcohol abuse, which leads to
so much antisocial behaviour in residential areas, our high streets and city centres," said Newlove.
Although the group has Government backing, the Home Office has not yet recommended that training become compulsory. Instead it has adopted a "wait and see" approach.
Duplication risk
BII chief executive Neil Robertson welcomed "any initiative that encourages responsible retailing practices".
But he warned of the "significant risk of duplication of effort here as several BIIAB qualifications already exist that meet the same requirements and our qualifications are accredited, nationally-recognised and widely used".
"As is often said, we already have a large number of bodies and associations representing the various elements of our industry so it's important that this new group communicates and works positively with the rest of us. After all, we're all campaigning for the same positive outcomes."
Meanwhile, Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said: "This is a worthwhile initiative in support of the priority we all give to the matter. ALMR looks forward to hearing more from, and to working with, the NLTA."