PubAid's call to arms to licensees

Pubs across the country are being urged to help show just how much the sector collectively raises for charity.

The team behind the website PubAid are asking licensees to take a survey focusing on their fundraising efforts throughout 2010.

It is hoped enough people will take the survey to build a realistic picture of how much the sector raises.

Licensees have until April 15 to complete the survey; the results of which will be analysed by CGA Strategy and announced at the BII Lunch on May 10.

They will then be published on the PubAid website and sent to the local, regional and national media, associations and government with the aim being to raise the profile of some of the positive things pubs bring to society.

Former Scottish & Newcastle boss Des O'Flanagan heads up the team of PubAid volunteers.

He said: "Having factual information from pubs and bars will allow us to send a really strong message to those that attack our industry, by showing them clear evidence of the great work that pubs and bars do, not just in the local community but nationally."

So far 233 licensees have taken the survey and registered that between them they raised £703,500 last year - an average of £3,000.

A previous study by the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group also found that community pubs raise an average of £3,000 each year for good causes.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete and can be found at www.pubaid.com​.

For those pubs and bars that cannot complete the survey online, please call 020 8874 9429 or email info@pubaid.com ​ with your details.