Liberal Democrat leader gets behind Proud of Pubs

PROUD OF Pubs Week is continuing to capture the imagination of MPs and licensees - with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell the latest high-profile figure to agree to take part.

The MP for North East Fife joins more than 80 MPs who have agreed to visit pubs during the week, which runs from July 8 to 15.

The Publican team has now brewed its own Proud of Pubs Ale to celebrate the initiative - with the beer going on sale at The Publican's local, the Mad Hatter in Southwark, London and across the Everards estate this week (see page 16).

Sir Menzies, who will be visiting the Westpark Tavern in Cupar, Fife, on July 13, said: "I offer my support to Proud of Pubs Week. A good local pub can often be the hub of the local community - a great place to meet old friends. Publicans and barstaff do a fantastic job and should be rightly proud of the work that they do."

Licensee Fiona MacDonald of the Westpark Tavern said she was looking forward to meeting the Liberal Democrat leader. "I'll be asking him why our local council can't be more flexible with the way it deals with licensees," she added.

Publicans are being urged to take a close-up look at their businesses during Proud of Pubs Week - as well as joining in with other activities.

To find out how you can get involved click the Proud of Pubs link on the right

For a Proud of Pubs Week pack, featuring posters, badges and other material, email proudofpubs@thepublican.com