The Publican's 30th Birthday: Nick Bish
Nick Bish, chief executive, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, helps mark The Publican Newspaper's 30th Birthday.
- Where were you 30 years ago?
On the streets of Londonderry, having bricks thrown at me
What has been the biggest change in the pub industry in the past 30 years?
The transfer of so many managed houses to the tenanted/leased model, as emphasised by the rise of Enterprise and Punch and all the others. But the real story has been the growth of such great individual operators and small businesses running small chains of pubs
Which individual has had the biggest impact on the pub trade in the past 30 years?
There are two. Tim Martin for challenging the status quo and showing that alternatives are possible.
And, in a quieter way but no less significantly, Chris Hutt for his work at CAMRA, through Unicorn, to Wizard Inns and now to Laurel Pub Company. He's done it all, and he's been a mentor to the industry for a long time.
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry over the next 30 years?
Managing the public's expectations in a way that combines the traditional value of a pub with modern commercial practice. The industry needs to be true to its traditions, and adapt to the world we live in. Also binge-drinking and the behaviour of young people is hugely troubling and we have to manage it.
When did you first read a copy of the The Publican?
In the mid-1980s
Do you have a message of congratulations for The Publican?
Many congratulations. Through its support for multiple operators and the introduction of the HQ section in particular, it was not quite the midwife of the ALMR but was hugely supportive during the nursery years. The Publican was hugely helpful during the formative years of the ALMR.
