New website to highlight pubs' charity works

The industry is going on the front foot to shout about the millions of pounds it raises for charity with the launch of a new web-based initiative.

Pub Aid - backed by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), the British Beer & Pub Association and BII - is aiming to highlight the contribution pubs make to charitable causes.

A website for the initiative - www.pubaid.com - is being launched next week.

Licensees are expected to be able to log on and register how much money their pub has raised for charity and a running tally will show how much has been raised in total by the trade.

At present the average community pub is estimated to raises £3,000 a year for charity.

The initiative was revealed yesterday during the ALMR's Annual Christmas lunch in London.

Chairman Tim Sykes said it would help media and the government "understand the positive things that are happening in our communities".

"It will demonstrate we are part of the solution and not part of the problem," he said.

Earlier he told the packed Old Billingsgate Market venue that pubs and bars were "under threat" from both government policy and increasing consumption in the off-trade.

He also urged more transparency in the industry among companies.

"All of us need to be more open with each other and open up effective routes of communication," he said.

Chief executive Nick Bish later said: "We need to get our customers into our businesses and the government out of our businesses."

Around £24,000 was raised for the Licensed Trade Charity through a raffle and auction at the event.