75 MPs signed up to behind the bar campaign

By Gurjit Degun

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Public house Bar

MP Andrew Griffiths with licensee Justin Kelly at the Old Bramshall Inn
MP Andrew Griffiths with licensee Justin Kelly at the Old Bramshall Inn
The number of MPs getting behind the bar in support of the pub trade has reached 75 — 40 who have already pulled pints and a further 35 who have pledged to do a shift.

The initiative was launched by All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman and Burton MP, Andrew Griffiths, with support from the Publican’s Morning Advertiser.

Griffiths is one of the latest to take on the role of barman at the Old Bramshall Inn in Bramshall, Staffordshire.

“It’s really, really gaining momentum,” he said.

“We’ve also had two ministers showing their support too. All parties have taken part in this.

“The MPs have said how much they enjoyed the challenge and also how much they’ve learned from it.

“It’s a double whammy, reinforcing the importance of the role of the community pub and teaching MPs about the challenges that publicans face today.”

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley also had a go at pulling pints at Punch pub the Furlong in Tunstall, Stoke, alongside co-licensee Michael Webb.

“It’s clear that a successful pub like this can make a world of difference to my constituents,” said Walley. “Thanks to the regional briefing I am now well-placed to take up issues of concern, especially the need for action on curbing loss-leader sales in supermarkets.”

Webb added: “We were delighted to be able to welcome Joan to the pub and it was great to see her supporting the pub industry.

“It was really busy and it was a good opportunity to ask questions about key issues affecting the trade, such as beer tax.”

Eric Ollerenshaw, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, stepped behind the bar at Chameleon Pub Company site Greaves Park. “It’s great to see Greaves Park booming,” Ollerenshaw said.

“Anthony Parker, the manager, and the team here are doing an excellent job, providing employment opportunities, a draw for tourists to Lancaster and a lovely meeting place for the local community. Long may the success continue.”

Manager Anthony Parker said: “It was a pleasure to meet up with Eric. In these difficult trading times, it’s great to have the support of our MP and this was an ideal opportunity for us to begin building a relationship with our local government representatives.”

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