Tesco exec new chair of standards body

Tesco’s licensing manager has been appointed chairman of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG), the UK body responsible for developing the now widespread “Challenge 25” policy on underage drinking.

Hardish Purewal will take over from outgoing chairman Nick Grant of Sainsbury’s, who announced he would be stepping down from the post after nine years.

The RASG, supported by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, was founded in 2005 and is made up of members of retailers with the aim of preventing underage sales of alcohol and promoting responsible alcohol retailing.

The group was instrumental in developing the UK’s “Challenge 21” policy, and more recently agreed to develop a responsible retailing code for the off-trade as part of the UK Government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal.

On her appointment, Hardish Purewal said: “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.”

Purewal has been Tesco’s Licensing Manager since 2005 and has 22 years of retail experience.