Licensees form new group to unite trade

A group of licensees has formed a new trade body to speak on behalf of the industry and improve the media's perception of pubs.

The Society of Licensees has launched a website for members only. Licensees can request to join by giving details of their pub and VAT number.

Once verified they will receive log in details for the website.Once a month members will be asked to fill in a short survey including suggestions about where the society should focus its attention and what it should aim to achieve.

The key differences of the society from other trade bodies is that it is free to join; only verified licensees can join; it regularly canvasses opinion; and it has complete transparency.

Organiser Ed Davies, of the Kilvert's Inn, said: "All too often trade bodies speak on behalf of the on-trade, but leaving those they speak for in the dark. This society aims to change that, providing a genuine voice for licensees.

"Our primary focus will be to counter the way pubs are portrayed in the media — often lumped in under the 'alcohol' banner. We want the media to highlight that well-run pubs are an asset to a community, selling responsibly and encouraging community spirits.

"We'll work with other trade groups where appropriate, but we won't resort to slagging them off when we don't agree. The trade needs to unite in order to benefit as a whole.

"A disparate on-trade proves easy pickings, and bickering within the trade doesn't help either."

Visit www.licensees.org.uk​ for more information.