The head of Shepherd Neame has refuted claims that 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 of happy hours and large measures at the bar as "pathetic".

He 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 to Jonathan Neame talking to Sinead Hanna

A recent Government commission report - that saw researchers visit hundreds of pubs, bars, nightclubs, off-licences and supermarkets around the UK - raised serious concerns about how responsible establishments are being in regards to 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.

Shepherd Neame produces various ales and beers in Kent, and has 300 pubs across the county.

Mr Neame said none of their establishments have "happy hours" as they did not think it was 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.