The head of brewery Shepherd Neame has refuted claims the drinks industry is helping to fuel 'booze Britain'.

Jonathan Neame does not believe bars and pubs are more interested in making money than encouraging adults to drink responsibly - and branded recent suggestions of banning happy hours and large measures at the bar as "pathetic".

But his views are not shared by a Kent academic, who feels the industry has much to answer when it comes to the UK's dangerous levels of drinking.

Mr Neame said: "People do believe we are living in binge drinking culture, but that is very different from facts. Britain is well down the drinking table in Europe, and alcohol consumption is falling faster here than anywhere else in Europe."

Listen: Jonathan Neame gives his views to the Kent Messenger's Sinead Hanna >>>

A recent government commission report - researched at hundreds of pubs, bars, nightclubs, off-licences and supermarkets around the UK - raised concerns that venues are promoting "harmful drinking practices".

The Department of Health is also expected to publish a review looking at the link between alcohol abuse and price promotion, such as two-for-one deals and happy hours, in the next few weeks.

But Mr Neame said it was unfair to visit bars in "known binge drinking areas" and to then "tar the remaining 250,000 licensed premises in the UK with the same brush".

"This report refers to practices that were eradicated some time ago, and the evidence and methodology behind it seems very sketchy," he said.

Faversham-based Shepherd Neame produces various ales and beers and has 300 pubs across the county. Mr Neame said none of its establishments have 'happy hours', as they do not think such promotions are necessary.

"The industry takes a very, very responsible attitude to the promotion of alcohol - it is investing millions in training and education," he added.

Current licensing laws allow local authorities to take action against any establishment causing concern, and Mr Neame said it was up to the communities upset with particular pubs or retailers to use those powers.

Kate O’Brien, lecturer in sociology and criminology with particular focus on alcohol and the night-time economy, said the licensed trade should be taking much more responsibility for curbing 'booze Britain'

Listen: Kate O'Brien speaks to the Kent Messenger's Sinead Hanna >>>

Ms O’Brien said the UK’s night-time economy has become much more alcohol-focused in the past 20 years to correspond with young people's idea of a good night out.

Happy hours and cheap drink promotions are cashing in on the rise in binge-drinking, she claimed.

She said: "The focus has been swayed very much towards blaming consumers, with a barrage of legislation targeting and criminalizing young people.

"Yet we haven’t seen as much attention paid towards the operator in the way that they are targeting these young people.

"For the operators, it is not about looking after the interests of consumers, it’s about making money."