Fighting-fund call gets luke-warm response

by John Harrington and Rosie Davenport

Pub operators have given a lukewarm response to calls for the trade to contribute to a multi-million pound fighting fund to improve the image of pubs.

Last week London & Edin-burgh Inns executive chairman Alan Bowes urged all sections of the trade - from big to small - to donate cash for a PR blitz to counter the negative publicity of pubs in the national media.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said he was not convinced a PR campaign was necessary because police, councillors and MPs see through the media hysteria about pubs and licensing reform. 'I think the industry leaders should continue with their quiet and persistent lobbying,' Neame said.

Paul Wigham, chief executive of pub operator Bar Group, said: 'I think it's a lofty vision but a bit naive to think that people will contribute.'

Greene King Pub Partners managing director David Elliott said responsibility for improving the image of the trade should lie with high-street operators. 'Why should the rest of the industry pay because of a campaign by The Daily Mail against a small section of the industry?'

Mitchells & Butlers customer services director Simon Ward said: 'We think the image of the pub and pub-going has suffered, and to that extent we want to listen to any idea to improve that. But we don't have a commitment to any particular route at this stage.'

The British Beer & Pub Asso-ciation (BBPA) is already plan- ning a long-term campaign to improve the image of pubs.

BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings said there is 'unity of belief' that a co-ordinated approach was needed to improve the trade's image.

But he added: 'I think there's a lot of resources already out there and we need to look at how that resource is invested, and what it can deliver, before we raid the piggy bank. More groundwork needs to be laid before planning something like an advertising campaign.'