The competition is organised by PubAid with sponsorship from Matthew Clark and support from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group. Entries are now open on the PubAid website with a closing date of 31 October.
This year, pubs can choose to enter either a Community Support of Charity Fundraising category, and nominate one of their regulars for contribution to the pub’s activities, to become a Community Hero Regular.
Recognising support
PubAid co-founder Des O’Flanagan said: “We’re delighted to be running the Community Pub Hero Awards again and recognising pubs who are providing much-needed support for their local communities and charities.
“We’re also pleased to be introducing the new Community Regular Hero award. We know pub fundraising and other community support activities are often driven by an enthusiastic individual or group of stalwarts. It seems only right to share the limelight with them.”
Pubs can enter themselves via a form on the PubAid website, while companies can nominate their licensees and MPs are encouraged to suggest sites from their constituencies.
Community champions
After the closing date, judges will review entries received and publish shortlists for each category. All finalists will be invited, with their MP, to attend a reception in London, where the overall winners will be announced.
Matthew Clark trade marketing director John Steele said pubs truly were the heroes of their communities. Last year saw many entries from venues who had worked to support residents through Covid and Steele said the drinks wholesaler looked forward to rewarding many more this year.
Dudley South MP and All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman Mike Wood believed the awards were a “great opportunity” for MPs to celebrate how operators in their constituencies provided vital support, either through fundraising for charities or help those in need locally.
“More than 60 MPs across the country came forward with nominations last year and we hope to see a similarly enthusiastic response this time,” he added.
