Hero Awards: CAPs leader recognised as hero for resolve to combat underage drinking

Posted 20/06/18

Trading Standards Officer at Kent Trading Standards, Neil Butcher, 48, has been awarded the prestigious Hero Award from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), for his exceptional work tackling underage drinking and alcohol related antisocial behaviour.

Neil has worked tirelessly and with great dedication to bring together a broad range of partners to tackle underage drinking in Kent and has set up two Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) in Broadstairs and Ramsgate last year and is launching a 3rd, according to CAPs Programme Manager, Gillian Powell, who nominated Neil.

Amongst his many achievements he built strong relationships with local retailers and supermarkets, warning adults that it is an offence to buy alcohol for children through the usage and display of large posters. The display led to a vast improvement and an increase in ID checks while ensuring that Trading Standards’ relationship with retailers is a supportive one.

He obtained a grant from Kent Fire and Rescue for CAPs work and organised training for teachers from East Kent College by the Alcohol Education Trust on how best to teach special educational needs on risk taking behaviour.

The CTSI Hero Award celebrates individuals or groups of people whose outstanding contribution towards consumer protection in our communities have made a significant impact. Every year, the Institute is inspired by the stories of nominees throughout the country whose bravery, altruism and hard work often goes unnoticed.

Chief Executive at CTSI, Leon Livermore, said: “Neil’s resolve to stand up to underage drinking and its associated antisocial behaviour is second to none. He has gone beyond all call of duty and has made a huge impact on his community.”

Derek Lewis, chair of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “Neil has worked tirelessly to launch new Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Herne Bay - bringing together a wide range of partners including local councils, schools, police, fire and rescue services, retailers and the community, all working to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in Kent. The success of CAP relies on exceptional individuals like Neil who are willing and able to take on leadership roles to benefit their local communities and I am delighted that his dedication and hard work has been recognised with this award.”

Craig Mackinlay, MP for South Thanet, added: “Success depends on exceptional and committed individuals like Neil who are willing and able to take on a leadership role in the local community to tackle underage drinking. I applaud his determination to help combat such behaviour.”

Neil was presented with the CTSI Hero Award at a special ceremony, which took place on Wednesday 20 June, at One Great George Street, London. He was honoured alongside eight other Heroes of consumer protection.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For press queries/accreditation, email CTSI Press Office: [email protected], or call 01268 582240.

Picture l-r: Malcolm Craig (CTSI Chair), Craig Mackinley MP, Neil Butcher (Kent Trading Standards), Robert Wright (CTSI College of Fellows).

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CTSI College of Fellows

The College of Fellows is a charity that has supported CTSI and the trading standards profession for more than 60 years. It promotes educational and research activities, as well as providing help for the families and dependants of trading standards professionals who die in service, and in other times of crisis.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

CTSI is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities.

CTSI’s members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk.

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