Lorna Harrison: Never a dull moment in the pub trade

The Publican's Editor-in-chief, Lorna Harrsion, looks back on the past thirty years in the pub trade to mark the 30th Birthday of The Publican Newspaper.

It's comforting to know that when the first issue of The Publican was published, I couldn't even spell the word, let alone have any idea what one was.

Having said that, I will show my age by admitting that I've worked for this wonderful title for more than a third of its life - 12 years to be exact. And what an amazing 12 years it has been.

From my first (of many) brewery tours at Young's back in 1993, to the characters I've met in hundreds of pubs on my travels, and from the first time I stepped on stage at the glittering Publican Awards in front of 1,500 guests to lobbying ministers in Parliament, I can safely say there has never been a dull moment.

The industry has certainly kept the editorial team on its toes and we have brought you the highs and the lows, the happy and the sad stories, in our quest to keep you up-to-date with news and views and help move your business forward.

Being at the cutting edge of news, we have compiled a comprehensive history of the trade spanning 30 years which include some memorable advances including all-day opening and children in pubs, to serious threats including cross-Channel imports, proposed smoking bans and a possible reduction in the drink-drive limits.

The biggest change, however, has to be the complete shift in pub ownership. The industry has witnessed an almighty transformation since the Beer Orders in 1989 and the difference in pubs today compared with those we were writing about 30 years ago is unbelievable.

The pub of 1975 compared to now is largely unrecognisable and getting to where we are has been far from plain sailing, with licensees being forced to switch landlords and endure an almighty bundle of new laws and regulations. The results? Cleaner, brighter, more profitable pubs, but tired publicans who spend more time in the office than front of house where they belong.

Not ideal, but whatever twists and turns publicans have endured over the years, they always seem to come out okay, accepting the new burdens and changes in their stride in a bid to keep customers happy and, ultimately, survive. We should be proud of the fact we can still boast a fun, vibrant and exciting industry run by passionate, hard-working people. That is something that will never change, no matter how many obstacles are put in the way.

I'd like to thank all our readers for keeping us busy and in the jobs we also love. Long may controversy reign!