Following a morning conference of informative speakers Gary Cox from the Scottish Government, Derek Lewis from the Drinkaware Trust and Commander Simon O'Brien from ACPO Strategy, the Responsible Drinks Retailing 2008 Awards were announced on Tuesday 11 November at the Landmark Hotel, London.

The awards were announced by Andrew Pring, editor of Morning Advertiser and Rosie Davenport, editor of Off Licence News.

The certificates were presented by Gerry Sutcliffe, minister for licensing, gambling and sport.

The awards recognise those businesses that do not just exist within the law, but are going out of their way to make sure that the products that they distribute are sold in an appropriate, and responsible way - thus reducing the anti-social impact they can have in communities.

Now in its fifth year, following its successful launch in 2004, the Responsible Drinks Retailing awards have become established as the most credible initiative for the drinks industry.

This year's winners were:

Independent

Winner - TC's Mini Mart

Chain

Winner - James Hall and Co (Southport)
Highly Commenmded - Waitrose

Pub Company and Managed Pubs

Winner - Kurnia Group

Tenant / Lessee / Freehouse

Winner - The Station Hotel

Pubwatch of the Year

Joint Winners - Isles of Scilly Pubwatch and Aylesbury Pubwatch

Innovation of the Year

Capper and Co

Police Champions of the Year

Winner - Lancashire Police
Highly Commended - Cumbria Police

Local Authority of the Year

Winner - Watford Borough Council
Highly Commended - London Borough of Havering

Best Initiative

Winner - Wine and Spirit Trade Association