Working with businesses to improve our community
Responsible Retailer Agreements enable local authorities to work co-operatively with businesses that are negatively impacting on the local environment and community.
The concept builds on the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, which are widely used by local authorities, landlords and the police as an intervention to encourage perpetrators to recognise their behaviour and its impact on others. This is done through a written agreement containing a list of anti-social acts that the offender agrees not to continue and outlines the consequences if the contract is breached.
The Responsible Retailers Agreements expands the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to deal with problem businesses that are negatively impacting on their local environments and communities.
The process uses a problem-solving approach to understand why issues have arisen and how partners can work together better in future to find a long term resolution. The result is a voluntary, signed agreement which outlines mutual responsibilities and commitments.
How does it work?
A Responsible Retailer Agreement can be used for a wide range of issues, including litter, poorly managed waste, graffiti on the walls of a local business that hasn’t been removed, underage sales of alcohol, fireworks, cigarettes or weapons, noise and fly-posting.
The Responsible Retailer Agreement specifies:
• Prohibitions that the business agrees not to continue in a specified period
• Positive actions that the business will undertake to improve it’s image within the community
• Support that can be undertaken by the lead agencies to assist in the effectiveness of the contract
• Assistance that local community groups can undertake to support the business
Failure to comply with the agreement could potentially lead to prosecution, a fine or even an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for the business owner.
Benefits
The benefits of using a Responsible Retailer Agreement are far-reaching, but include:
• An alternative solution to enforcement, for example where fining is not a sufficient deterrent
• Inclusive – introducing a Responsible Retailer Agreement can be a community-wide solution
• Gaining a better understanding of retailer needs
• Allowing authorities to tackle multiple issues in just one meeting
The options and applications are both flexible and far reaching.
If you would like to find out more about Responsible Retailer Agreements, take a look at our case studies or contact a member of our team on 01942 612621.