Tesco exec new chair of alcohol standards group

The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG), the UK body responsible for developing policies such as Challenge 25, has appointed Tesco’s licensing manager as its new chairman.

The appointment of Hardish Purewal was agreed to by the RASG at a meeting on Tuesday and follows the announcement by Nick Grant of Sainsbury’s that he would be stepping down from his role as chairman after nine years.

Founded in 2005, and supported by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), the RASG works to tackle underage sales of alcohol and promote responsible alcohol retailing, through schemes such as Community Alcohol Partnerships.

In addition, RASG has also entered into an agreement to develop a responsible retailing code for the off-trade as part of the Public Health Responsibility Deal.

“We are incredibly thankful to Nick for his leadership over the last nine years and I am delighted to have been appointed to this role at such an important time for RASG,” commented Purewal, who has been licensing manager at Tesco since 2005 and boasts 22 years of retail experience ranging from stores and distribution to dot come and legal.

“Producing meaningful guidance on the responsible retailing of alcohol, as part of the Responsibility Deal will be a key focus over the coming months and I relish the opportunity of working closely with retailers and others to help deliver this important commitment.”