MPs' beer group welcomes new chairman Graham Evans

Evans’s predecessor, Andrew Griffiths stood down earlier this month​ (September) after being in the role for five years, following his appointment as member of the Government Whips’ Office.

British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “I’m delighted that Graham Evans is the new chairman of the beer group. Graham has been a long-standing champion of beer and pubs and has supported the industry on many campaigns. In recognition of this, he won a BBPA/CAMRA/SIBA ‘Beer Champion’ award in Parliament last year.

"I know Graham will continue to keep the pressure for policies that allow our industry to prosper and we look forward to working with him.”

Thoroughly excited

The new chair posted on his Facebook page: “Last night, I was privileged to become the new chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, following on from the outstanding chairmanship of Andrew Griffiths, MP of Parliament for Burton.

“The great British beer and pub industry supports 900,000 jobs across the country and contributes £22bn to our economy each year – but just as important is the value that a good pub brings to a community and I’m thoroughly excited to get stuck into my new role.”

Extensive knowledge

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) chief executive Kate Nicholls congratulated Evans on the appointment and said the organisation were looking forward to working with him to promote the nation’s pubs and bars.

She added: “Graham has extensive knowledge of the sector and a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities we currently face. We know that Graham will be a great supporter of this vital sector and we are keen to hit the ground running and push for a fairer deal for licensed hospitality.”

The bodies praised the former chair Griffiths upon news of his departure​. Nicholls paid tribute to his “hard work and dedication to licensed hospitality” and managing director of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Mike Benner called Griffiths’ achievements “outstanding”.

Benner said: “We’re delighted to welcome Graham to his new role. He has already demonstrated his commitment to and enthusiasm for the beer and pubs industries since he became an MP and I very much look forward to working with him in the future.”