Case studies

Setting the UK’s Responsibility Agenda for alcohol

The Portman Group is the UK alcoholic beverages’ self-regulator.  It’s rules are under-pinned by Government.

The Portman Group has the following role as a regulator:

  • Development, administration and evolution of the Portman Group Marketing Code of practice, and a world-leading Sports sponsorship Code.
  • The provision of a free and confidential pre-launch advisory service for code signatories.
  • Recruitment and administrative support for an independent complaints panel (ICP).
  • Setting-up a legally enforceable co-regulatory backstop with government.
  • Formal communication of ICP decisions, including advice to retailers.

The Portman Group CEO was also invited to act as Co-chair of the Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network with the following track-record:

  • Leading a world-first standards raising Challenge and Response mechanism with government.
  • Supporting government in defining the Challenge.
  • Convening and co-ordinating industry’s Response.
  • Developing innovative solutions on product and packaging, such as a pledge remove 1bn units of alcohol from the UK market in a year.
  • A best in class Alcohol in the Workplace Policy.

The Portman Group set up and convened a ground-breaking Local Alcohol Area Partnership, including:

  • Pubwatch, Best Bar None, Purple Flag,  Community Alcohol Partnerships, Street pastors.
  • LAAPS ensured joined up thinking, and maximum impact in towns considered a priority for harms.
  • Providing Government with a one-stop-shop to all the industry funded schemes.