J D Wetherspoon the Watford-based pub operator has taken the top title in the national Responsible Drinks Retailing Awards 2009.

Wetherspoon’s Nigel Connor collected the Managed Pub Company of the Year Award from the organiser, leading drinks industry magazine Morning Advertiser, at a presentation in London.

Judges said: “J D Wetherspoon is a model of how a well-implemented strategy can help to ‘call time’ on irresponsible drinks retailing. There’s no doubt that Wetherspoon’s sterling efforts are helping to protect the communities around their pubs from the worst effects of alcohol misuse and creating a safer environment for everyone. They thoroughly deserve to win this national title.”

The judges were impressed that the company has not rested on its laurels on the social responsibility front despite its outstanding achievements over recent years.

Developments in the last 12 months have included funding and support for a host of community-based initiatives, including providing free non-alcoholic lager and cider in cooperation with the police during Cheltenham's recent Alcohol Awareness Week ,the introduction of 125 ml wine glasses in all its pubs ahead of likely government legislation forcing operators to do so, regular scheduled meetings with local residents and businesses near pubs where noise may be a potential problem, trialling innovative ID scan equipment and voluntarily reducing operating hours at some sites while extending dispersal periods at the end of peak trading.

Nigel Connor, Head of Licensing and Regulatory Law at J D Wetherspoon, said: " The responsible retailing of alcohol is something that informs our business at all levels and is crucial to its future success. We are delighted to have received recognition of the work that has been put in to this area by every one concerned at the company and we all look forward to making even greater strides in 2010 and beyond."

The Responsible Drinking Awards are now in their sixth year. They recognise those businesses and organisations that don’t simply operate within the letter of the law, but go out of their way to make sure alcohol is sold in a responsible way – and so reduce the antisocial impact on communities.