Henry worked a shift at the Mill House in Ifield last week as part of a initiative set-up by chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Andrew Griffiths to improve relationships between MPs and licensees.
Smith said: “I welcomed the opportunity to work a lunchtime shift behind the bar at the Ifield’s Mill House Pub because I wanted to better understand the kind of challenges Crawley’s community pubs are facing given the difficult economic climate and increased competition from supermarket sales.
“The view that I have expressed in Parliament is that pub beer duty shouldn’t rise for the foreseeable future as duty is already relatively high and further hikes could damage pubs as the local community assets that they are.
“It’s been quite a few years since I last pulled a pint but I don’t think I did too badly, managing not to spill any or give a short measure. It was good to talk to regulars at this friendly Ifield watering hole.”
Stuart Buckthorp, manager of the Mill House, said: “We were delighted to see him this afternoon and were all very impressed with his pint pulling skills. His visit was much appreciated by the customers. I personally would like to see all MPs visiting local establishments and showing their support.
“Every time the government puts up the pub beer duty, pubs lose revenue; it costs jobs, and achieves nothing. In essence it’s totally self defeating.”
The Publican's Morning Advertiser is urging all licensees to get in touch with their MP and ask them to work a shift behind the bar. If you do get your MP to agree, contact us by emailing michelle.perrett@wrbm.com.