Andrew Griffiths, Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter and Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group said, “No one has done more to raise awareness of British beer and pubs in Westminster and the European Parliament.
"Robert set up the Beer Group in 1993 and was its honorary secretary for an incredible 21 years. His passion for beer and pubs is only matched by his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sector, enormous charm and the sheer hard work that he has devoted to promoting our national drink. This recognition is enormously well deserved.”
Mike Benner, Managing Director of SIBA said: “'Robert has worked tirelessly for the sector for many years and continues to make an enormous contribution. His determination, knowledge and enthusiasm have been of great benefit to British beer and pubs. I am delighted to be working with him as a non-executive director of SIBA in delivering our vision for Britain's independent brewers.”
Humphreys is the current chairman of both the Proof of Age Scheme and Best Bar None. He is also a non-executive director of the Society of Independent Brewers, a trustee of the National Brewing Museum and a long serving member of the committee of the British Guild of Beer Writers.
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the BBPA said: “Robert has worked tirelessly to establish a good relationship between industry and Parliamentarians in his 21 years as Secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group. The beer group has played a key part in our hat-trick of duty cuts and I could not be more delighted to see Robert honoured by the Queen with the award of an MBE.”