Licensees urged to plan for British Pub Week

Licensees are being urged to run an action-packed series of events during British Pub Week, which runs from 28 October to 6 November.

The week aims to get people back into pubs by promoting their positive impact on society. Hundreds of pubs were involved last year and engaged with their communities and MPs — even Prime Minister David Cameron took part by enjoying a pint in his local pub.

Punch Taverns, Enterprise Inns, Marston’s and Admiral Taverns have already pledged support for the week and there is a role for everyone to play — from licensees and managers to suppliers and pubcos.

British Pub Week has suggested that pubs run a series of events over the week, including a British Pub Week party, a Halloween live music night and a pub food themed night, culminating with a family day on 6 November.

“This is the trade’s chance to shout about the benefits of the great British pub, such as the important role pubs play in communities and in social cohesion, the benefits that the pub brings to the national economy and employment, and the continued support of charities,” said British Pub Week chair Inez Ward. “It is an opportunity to celebrate this wonderful institution.”

The All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group’s chairman Greg Mulholland MP said: “British Pub Week is so important in recognising such a great British institution. Pubs provide a community haven where friends can gather to socialise and safely enjoy a drink.

“Given the challenges facing pubs, it is important that we remember and celebrate their vital role in society.”

BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) chief executive Neil Robertson added: “British Pub Week is about putting the pub in the public eye, by reminding consumers and MPs what pubs do, and how well they do it. I urge all to get involved.”

The week also ties in with the Publican’s Morning Advertiser’s Thrive on 5 campaign to reduce VAT to 5% for the hospitality sector.
As part of that link up, the PMA wants licensees to get their MPs down the pub to pull pints so they can brief them on the benefits of a VAT cut for the pub sector, while reminding them of the unique role pubs play.

An MP event, run by British Pub Week, is being held on Tuesday 1 November, at the Red Lion Pub, Westminster, to celebrate the week.