Robert Humphreys to step down from Parliamentary Beer Group

13-Mar-2014 - Last updated on 13-Mar-2014 at 11:56 GMT

Robert Humphreys has been honorary secretary of the group for 21 years

Robert Humphreys is to step down from his role of honorary secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group after 21 years, which he has held since the group’s formation in 1993, the Publican's Morning Advertiser has learnt.

His replacement is Dr Paul Hegarty, the industry consultant and public affairs specialist who was previously head of communications at Molson Coors. His clients have included Drinkaware, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Before his role at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, Humphreys, who has been involved with the licensed and hospitality sector for more than 50 years, trained as an hotelier and worked in hotel management for a decade before joining Bass. He spent 20 years with that company, first in line management then in communications.

He left the post of director of public relations for Bass’ brewing division in 1992.

The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group currently has around 400 members at Westminster and c40 honorary members amongst the UK’s MEPs.

Humphreys has chaired PASS since 2005 on a pro-bono basis. He’s also vice chairman of Best Bar None.