Heavyweight backing for Proud of Pubs Week
Two of Parliament's most high profile spokesmen on pubs have come together to back The Publican's Proud of Pubs Week.
Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland has tabled an early day motion supporting the initiative, while Labour MP John Grogan, chairman of the Beer Group, has co-sponsored the motion.
And the move is already gaining heavyweight support among MPs, with 53 backing it so far.
Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe has also once again come out in support of the trade and the campaign this week with a personal message.
The third Proud of Pubs Week, which aims to celebrate all the positive things that happen in the trade and raise the profile of pubs, got under way on Saturday (July 11).
Mulholland, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, said: "I am delighted by this great initiative run by The Publican.
"It is great that we have a week on which we can celebrate pubs as a nation and I hope people will support it by going to the pub.
"Pubs play an important role in our culture and society.
"It is only right that we should celebrate such a great example of our national heritage."
John Grogan said: "The Publican's Proud of Pubs Week puts one of the nation's favourite institutions centre stage. It helps to remind us all how many different activities take place every week of the year in licensed premises.
"I am hopeful that this year the sun will be shining throughout the week and the beer gardens teeming giving a much needed boost to the industry."
Message from licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe
"Pubs play an important role in millions of people's lives across Britain - they are at the heart of many communities and are just as significant as the local post office, village and community hall or corner shop.
"I realise this is a tough period but now really is not the time to be talking down pubs. Even during difficult economic times, they still have a lot to offer and are hugely relevant to the communities they serve. I want well-run, responsible, pubs to flourish and my department is working on measures to remove some of the regulatory burdens publicans and other small businesses face.
"Everyone should be proud of their local pub and should use this week to celebrate what it means to them. I will be toasting Proud of Pubs week in my local on 16 July. I hope many other MPs across the country will join me in doing so."
