Speaking at the annual British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) drinks in the House of Commons last night he praised the pub and brewing sector.
He said: “There is a positive message to send out that this is an industry that is flourishing and has a huge amount to offer to our country not just in terms of growth but actually bringing our country together.
"We have a fantastic message to get out there at how well the industry is doing and how much the industry has to offer.
"As your community pubs minister I do not see my job as representing the Government to the industry. I think my job is to champion the industry in Government. I give you a pledge I will do that to the best of my ability."
BBPA chairman and Shepherd Neame boss Jonathan Neame welcomed the approach from Lewis.
He said: “As businesses we face many challenges .
“All of us say with one voice we are a responsible, vibrant and dynamic sector, we are a force for good in society and we are a great manufacturing industry, we are a creator of 1m jobs.
"We want to take the lead in reducing the harm from alcohol abuse. We say that beer and pubs are part of the solution and not the problem.”