NEWS
30 MAY 2025 ASIAN TRADER 5
Shop workers will soon
have an opportunity for
free training on handling
retail abuse and violence
from a leading retail
charity.
Retail Trust is running
three online sessions in
partnership with retail
technology provider
Sensormatic Solutions to
help retail staf deal with
soaring levels of antisocial
and threatening behaviour,
with the first scheduled for
June 24.
Attendees will be shown
how to manage and recover
from challenging situations
by de-escalating harassment
and protecting their own
wellbeing.
Its research found that
80% of retail staf have
experienced verbal and
physical assaults, one in
three face abuse every week
and nearly half now feel
unsafe going into work.
49% said their
employers needed to do
more to deal with the
current levels of abuse
and violence and 39% are
considering quitting
their jobs or the retail
industry altogether due
to the rise in attacks.
The British Retail
Consortium has said
incidents of retail abuse and
violence increased by 50%
last year, to over 2,000 a day,
and staf sufering poor
wellbeing and working while
unwell reached an 18-month
high at end 2024.
Retail staf to get free training
on tackling abuse at work
Unlocking the potential of
Unlocking the potential of
World Whisky
World Whisky
Nick Gillett is
Co-founder and
Managing Director
of successful spirits
distributor
Mangrove Global, as well as an
industry expert and commentator.
In his column for this issue, Nick
explains how a wee dram can
come from much further afield
than Scotland these days
When we talk whisky, Scotland naturally
springs to mind, but did you know that
Denmark, England, and India have all
produced liquids that have gone on to
win “Best Whisky in the World” titles in
recent years? The category’s centre of
gravity is shifting, and world whisky is no
longer a curiosity, it’s a commercial
opportunity that was celebrated globally
on World Whisky Day, 17 May. From India
to Australia, producers are crafting
exceptional liquids that challenge
assumptions and delight curious
drinkers. But for retailers, the key is
knowing how to translate this momen-
tum into sales. Today’s whisky drinkers are
exploring beyond Scotch, seeking out new
flavours, backstories, and regions. English
single malts, Indian peated whiskies, and
Australian expressions shaped by extreme
climates all ofer something fresh. But
consumers often need help navigating
these shelves – and that’s where staf
confidence makes the diference.
Whisky can be an intimidating
category, but it doesn’t need to be. Equip
your team with the basics: explain the key
flavour profiles, the stories behind the
brands, and ofer tasters where possible.
A confident recommendation goes a
long way toward driving trial and building
repeat sales.Retailers should also look
beyond the core range. By ofering a
curated selection of world whiskies, you
not only stand out on shelf but also open
the door to a broader demographic, from
adventurous younger drinkers to curious
gift buyers. Talk to your distributor about
building the right range for your outlet
and how they can help train your team to
unlock the full potential of this fast-grow-
ing category. With World Whisky Day in
May, it’s the ideal occasion to spotlight
your whisky selection and encourage
customers to explore and appreciate the
stories and craft behind each bottle.
World whisky isn’t just a trend; it’s a
category with staying power.
The UK has re-entered the top
10 of the Nanny State Index
2025, published by the IEA and
the European Policy Informa-
tion Centre. It gives 29 Europe-
an countries a score out of 100
according to how it regulates
lifestyle choices.
Dr Christopher Snowden
revealed that the UK has made a
significant leap in nanny state
intervention, driven by high
taxes, growing restrictions on
food and drink advertising, and
draconian anti-smoking
policies. The UK now ranks
seventh overall, making it one
of the most heavy-handed
regulators in Europe.
Various measures have
accomplished this:
Very high tobacco duty – the
UK has the second highest taxes
on cigarettes when adjusted for
income
Tax on sugary drinks
Punitive alcohol duty – the UK
has the fourth highest taxes on
alcohol when adjusted for income
Indoor smoking ban – includ-
ing in all pubs and restaurants,
and inside vehicles with
children
Plain packaging and a retail
display ban for tobacco products
New restrictions on product
placement for ‘less healthy’
foods
Minimum unit alcohol
pricing (Scotland and Wales)
Britain is set to climb even
higher when the next index is
published in 2027, as new policies
such as the vape ban on disposable
e-cigarettes, a generational
tobacco sales ban, a new tax on
vapes and an unprecedented ban
on “less healthy” food advertis-
ing, come into force.
Despite ever-increasing
restrictions, the report finds
that there is no correlation
between stricter regulation and
better health outcomes like life
expectancy, lower smoking
rates, or reduced alcohol
consumption. A higher score on
the Nanny State Index does not
correlate with higher life
expectancy.
Government says, ‘We care’ so be careful out there – or else
It’s ofcial: Britain now 7th
It’s ofcial: Britain now 7th
biggest nanny state in Europe
biggest nanny state in Europe
NEWS/COMMENT