The Publican links-up with WaterAid to help the world's poorest communities
New laws mean that from next week pub customers can demand free tap water - but The Publican is urging licensees to turn on the taps for deprived communities.
We have signed-up to support the charity WaterAid'sTap into WaterAid project, which raises funds to provide safe water and sanitation to the world's poorest communities.
From Tuesday (April 6) the government's mandatory code on alcohol retailing means that tap water must be offered free - but we want pubs across the country to ask for charitable donations of 15p a time.
By doing so we hope that over the next 12 months we can raise £50,000 which will transform lives for some of the world's poorest communities throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific region.
More than 100 pubs, cafes, and restaurants are already signed up to Tap into WaterAid and Kent brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has already pledged to encourage its tenants to take part.
Publican editor Caroline Nodder said: "In many ways the mandatory code is an unnecessary piece of legislation.
"Most pubs already offer free tap water but we are keen to show through the great things pubs do to help communities, such as raising huge sums for charity - despite the best efforts of government to make life tougher."
And getting involved couldn't be easier, you can either use collection tins on the bar or add voluntary donations to customers' bills.
Stuart Wraith, licensee at the Fools Nook in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has already signed up.
He said: "With the new drinks code coming in, this is a good chance to make something really positive out of it and help people who don't have clean water on tap. It's going really well so far and our customers have given it a very warm welcome.
"It's a no brainer really - water here means water there. I truly hope all UK pubs unite and show what a positive difference we make and make the very best out of the new legislation."
WaterAid corporate account manager Cara Keane said: "We are absolutely delighted to have The Publican's support for Tap into WaterAid.
"It costs just £15 for WaterAid to bring safe water, sanitation and hygiene education to someone in poverty, so the momentum we could create with the help of The Publican could literally change lives."
How to sign up to Tap into WaterAid
Get in touch with the WaterAid team to sign up today by calling them on 020 7793 4949.
For more information visit Tap into WaterAid
