Caroline Nodder: Is the British Stiff Upper Lip softening?

I am concerned this week that the famous British Stiff Upper Lip is softening somewhat.

We Brits used to be famed for our steely resolve in the face of adversity, our water-off-a-duck's-back attitude to life's problems, our talent for battling through the hard times.

But it seems we have recently developed a worrying liking for complaining. For whingeing, and moaning and generally blaming everyone but ourselves for whatever misfortune has befallen us. Without actually doing anything about it.

I am totally committed to the pub trade, I will campaign on any front for the removal of red tape, a more understanding attitude from the government and a fair and level playing field for pubs, because I truly believe they are a shining star in our social culture in this country. They are unique, they have character and community spirit, they are warm and welcoming and they bring people together under one roof to celebrate, commiserate and socialise in a society that is increasingly isolated by technology and social norms.

However. It seems to me that there is a certain element within our industry that is all too happy to complain and rail against the government, and authorities and media and just about any other party deemed to be the enemy. But it is noticeably absent when it comes to doing anything about it.

Weight of opinion counts. A lone voice will never triumph over unfairness but a whole industry together will. And at the moment I am not seeing that togetherness.

It is true that pubs are being hit from all sides at the moment and licensees are under more pressure than ever before, but, to turn the tide, action is needed. Not words.

I quote a recent example where a request for responses to proposals to cut the drink-drive limit (a move that would have little impact on hardened drink-drivers but every impact on rural pubs) was met with a handful of responses from the pub sector. But a whole lot of complaining from commentators on websites such as our own.

My thoughts are that if you've got the time to comment on a website you've got the time to write to your MP and tell them what you think of a proposal.

Likewise, the recently unveiled government proposals to "reform" the licensing regime have been the subject of much wailing and gnashing of teeth… but very little action from individual publicans. How many have written to their MP? How many have responded to the consultation? By all accounts a handful. In an industry of 55,000 voices that's not very impressive. I don't think we, as a sector, have the right to complain about our lot unless we are doing something about it. That's the bottom line.

If every pub and pub company committed to inviting their local MP in for a chat even once a year, or wrote one letter in response to a proposal, that would be a massive step forward in putting the trade's message across.

I saw one of those re-usable bags on the train the other day with a slogan reading "Small actions equals big change". And I think that applies to our trade more than ever.