Make it big
It's time for some positive action.
You don't need The Publican to tell you about the negativity surrounding the pub trade at the moment. Proud of Pubs Week is a chance to put your pub back on the front foot - an opportunity to stand up for your business, make a noise in your community, and show your pride in your pub.
The second Proud of Pubs Week will take place from July 13 to 20 this summer. A week of activity aimed at helping publicans to get their pubs in order - and their communities behind their pubs - the event has already won the backing of figures across the trade (see below).
Now we want more licensees to get on board. Our aims are:
• To celebrate the industry
• To give licensees the marketing tools to help make a noise around your pub this summer
• To encourage licensees to have a close-up look at their businesses
• To entice customers who may not previously have gone into their local to go in for the first time
• To showcase best practice throughout the trade.
Last July's Proud of Pubs Week saw more than 100 MPs, including ex-Tory leader Michael Howard and the then-Lib Dem chief Sir Menzies Campbell, visiting pubs and talking to licensees, many of whom were experiencing their first week of smoke-free trading.
In 2008 the pressures facing pubs are stronger than ever. We urge you to use the week as a hook to get talking to your MP about the great things your pub does - and the reasons why pubs need their backing.
This year we are also urging you to make a connection with your local press, or cement your relationship with local journalists, by inviting them to your pub.
We are also inviting publicans to try out something new in their pubs on Proud of Pubs Night, and take a close look at their energy consumption, as well as devoting one day to looking after their staff.
As Lib Dem MP and Publican columnist Greg Mulholland points out: "Proud of Pubs Week couldn't have come at a more crucial time and is more important than ever this year".
Make it important in your pub too. And watch this space for more details on how you can get involved.
• Join the Proud of Pubs group online on Facebook. Following the launch of the area last year we are keen to get more publicans and pub-goers getting behind the group - visit Facebook.com and look for the Proud of Pubs group.
The week's activities
Monday July 14
"Put energy-saving measures in place in your pub"
Make sure your pub goes green on this day. Put at least one energy-saving measure in place.
Tuesday July 15
"Put on a Proud of Pubs Night in your pub"
Make this the day when you really celebrate your pub and look to attract new customers. Why not try something you have never done before? It could be anything from a themed food menu to a snail-racing night! You could also raise money for charity.
Wednesday July 16
"Get to know your local media"
Local journalists are often short of a story - establish a good relationship with them and you could be on the way to free publicity. Use Proud of Pubs Week as a hook to invite them in for a free drink.
Thursday July 17
"Show your pride in your people"
Staff, with the customer service they provide, are the lifeblood of most pubs - make sure your staff know you are proud of them on this day. Instigate your own star of the week award, raise a toast to them in the bar - or enter them in The Publican's Proud of Your People awards, in association with Fairy, for a chance to win a £300 monthly prize.
Friday July 18
"Get your MP into the pub"
Make this the day that Parliament goes to the pub. Invite your MP to come down to your pub on this day and see the great things that you do. The day will also be a great opportunity to get your local media in and win some wider publicity for your pub.
Get involved...
Contact us today for your free Proud of Pubs window sticker - and tell us what other Proud of Pubs Week material you would like to see.
Email proudofpubs@thepublican.com; visit www.thepublican.com/proudofpubs or call 020 7955 3710.
