We're backing Proud of Pubs Week - what about you?
John McNamara, chief executive of the BII, said: "We totally endorse and support Proud of Pubs Week. We'll do anything we can to help raise the profile of the campaign and the importance of the pub in our communities as somewhere people can go to and enjoy themselves."
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "Proud of Pubs Week is a focal point of an ongoing campaign to accentuate the positive in our industry. Pubs need to be imaginative about the things they do, as well as keeping on doing the things they are doing well."
Labour MP John Grogan, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: "The Publican's Proud of Pubs Week should be as much a part of the British summer as Wimbledon, the Lord's test and Glastonbury! This year above all I feel sure publicans and their customers will want to rally to the cause and take part in the many events that will be happening up and down the country."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "Last year pubs raised millions of pounds for charity… and where else can you get such a reasonably priced meal? Between 1971 and 1975 the price of beer went up 70 per cent and the industry had to evolve, now it has to evolve again. Everyone needs to stand up for themselves and Proud of Pubs Week is a great way to do that."
Mark Hastings, director of communications at the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "Proud of Pubs is playing a vital role in highlighting the critical importance of the great British pub, to our communities and to society in general. We stand full square behind this campaign."
Nigel Philips, UK foodservice sales director for supplier Lamb Weston, which is backing the campaign this year, said: "We felt it was important to show our support for the great work publicans all over the country. We want to get involved as good chips make a good pub. It ties in with local provenance, the community and what we want to be a part of."
Carol Cadwallader, licensee of the Spring Inn in Rochdale, Lancashire and winner of the Proud of Pubs Award at this year's Publican Awards, said: "Proud of Pubs Week is a great idea, we are fully behind it. There is a need to raise the profile of pubs this year as too many are suffering - the message has to be use it or lose it. We will be contacting our local MP Paul Rowen, and inviting him to come down."
