Are pub and bar owners to blame for rising levels of drunken violence in Britain's town centres?

Further education and a more general awareness of the health and social implications of binge drinking is needed for all. The problem must not simply be imposed on the licensed trade. We do recognise that licensees have a role to play, but we think it is unfair to blame the problem of binge drinking solely on the licensed trade.
Adrian Fawcett, chief operating officer, Punch Taverns Plc

Yes we are. There are too many bars who do not pay enough attention to who is drinking too much. The police and local authorities are also to blame for not persecuting errant bar owners. We need to get them out of the business, because in the end we all get tarred with the same brush.
Jonathan Downey, owner Match Bar Group

No. It's the licensing authorities that are issuing too many licenses. You cannot blame anyone for applying for a license.
Stephen Miles, general manager, Radisson Edwardian Manchester