Publican Awards - how to win Responsible Retailer of the Year

The award, which has previously been won by Punch Taverns and the Deltic Group, recognises and rewards best practice among pub companies and their outlets for having a responsible retailing agenda that is central to their business. These companies will demonstrate high standards in the responsible sales and marketing of alcoholic drinks.

• Are you our 2017 winner in waiting? Enter at www.publicanawards.co.uk​​​

There are a variety of things that retailers can do to not only promote responsible drinking, but also reduce antisocial behaviour and make a positive impact on the local health agenda.

Judges will be looking for evidence of best practice in alcohol labelling and customer information about the alcohol content of products and its effects, and a responsible approach to the advertising and marketing of alcohol. They will pay particular attention to the selection of low alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks on offer, and the promotion of these alongside the more traditional alcoholic drinks.

It is also worth considering any initiatives or events that you have held to de-normalise the idea of alcohol being central to a visit to a bar or pub. Venues have the potential to be all-inclusive social hubs, open to drinkers and non-drinkers, so if you feel like this is something your company demonstrates, get in touch and tell us.

The Responsible Retailer of the Year Award also provides the opportunity to demonstrate the important and successful policies and procedures that are evident in tackling underage sales within your venues. Staff training and education is a vital component around the judging of the award because it is crucial they are aware of schemes such as Challenge 25 and other areas concerning alcohol and the law.

Other areas to consider when nominating your company for this award are the schemes that your venue may be involved in. As well as the Challenge 25 scheme, there are a number of community initiatives which venues can support to help promote responsible drinking. These include Pubwatch, street pastors, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Best Bar None and Purple Flag schemes. Evidence of involvement in these schemes is crucial because it demonstrates your commitment to the duty of care which you hold to your customers.

Finally, the judges would like to see evidence of engagement that are in line with the aims and initiatives of Drinkaware, which sponsors the award. The charity works to reduce alcohol misuse and harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. Drinkaware works closely with the alcohol industry to encourage and maintain best practice and support the wider issues associated to alcohol-related problems.

Drinkaware’s chief executive Elaine Hindal said: “Drinkaware is immensely proud to sponsor the Responsible Retailer of the Year Award. It is especially pleasing to see so many companies within the industry doing some great work to reduce alcohol-related harm.

“This award is important, as the winner demonstrates incredible commitment to ensuring a safe and responsible atmosphere for its customers. Drinkaware works positively within this sector to educate employers, employees and consumers to help people make better choices about their drinking.”

• The Publican Awards 2017 will take place on Tuesday 14 March 2017, at Battersea Evolution in London. Enter at www.publicanawards.co.uk​​​