The Publican's 30th Birthday: James Purnell MP

James Purnell MP, minister for licensing, helps mark The Publican Newspaper's 30th Birthday.

• What were you doing 30 years ago?​
  
  Starting primary school. I was five, so obviously I didn't have a great deal to do with the pub trade at that age
  
• What has been the biggest change in the pub industry in the past 30 years?​
  
  You may think, I would say this wouldn't I, but the Licensing Act 2003. It's quite simply the biggest reform of licensing law for over 40 years.

It gives publicans the flexibility to run their businesses to suit the needs of their customers. It will lead to a significant reduction in red tape and bureaucracy in the long run, gives police tougher powers to deal with the irresponsible minority, while allowing the responsible majority of pubs to get on with building their business. Which individual has had the biggest impact on the pub trade in the past 30 years?​

John Grogan MP, chair of the all Parliamentary Beer Group since 2003 - he knows the industry inside out and campaigns tirelessly for the interests of publicans on a whole range of issues

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry over the next 30 years?​

Providing a modern, high-class service that rivals our hospitality competitors in Europe - the Olympics offers an unprecedented opportunity here.

Also meeting the increased expectation that industry must take its share of responsibility in tackling alcohol related crime and disorder. The pub trade is already making good progress here, although there will be a need for closer working with the police and local authorities in the future. Do you have a message for us on our 30th birthday?​

Keep up the good work informing your readers of the significant changes to the law affecting pubs in the lead up to November 24.

Help to spread best practice and innovation to improve the industry, and its evolving responsibility to society.

In the face of often hostile media coverage, don't lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of publicans are highly responsible people. The pub remains the cornerstone of many of our communities in this country and therefore performs a vital role.