Weezat website launched to help pubs

A new social network, which allows pubs to communicate better with their customers and suppliers, launched today.

Each venue owns its own page on Facebook-style site Weezat, as in "Weezat the pub". Licensees can update their news, events and promotions, which prompts email alerts to be sent directly to Weezat users.

Consumers can search the database of 3,500 London pubs and bars, share their location with friends and invite them to join by text.

Details of the pubs' facilities can be easily searched, such as sports screening and outside areas, which will be top consumer requirements as the World Cup approaches.

Pubs also have acccess to details of regional and local drinks suppliers' offers to take advantage of promotions.

Two spin-off iPhone apps, which are small programmes downloadable to Apple's iPhone mobile, will launch on 7 June.

The World Cup Venue Finder app will aim to draw football fans out to pubs to watch the matches, and the Football Free Zone app will allow consumers to locate venues that won't show the football.

Weezat was developed by former head of production at Virgin Dan Marbrook, who is managing director.

"Research by the Internet Advertising Bureau shows that the number of people using mobile phones to access social networking sites has risen by more than 130% over the past twelve months," said Marbrook.

"We also know that 70% of venues are unhappy with their advertising methods and results. We believe Weezat is a service that will make people's social lives easier, and at the same time create a highly efficient route to market for brand and venue owners."

There are plans for a national roll-out of Weezat within a year.

For more information visit www.weezat.com​.