New 'Adopt a Local' website tries to save country pubs

The founder of a Gloucestershire pub website has come up with a tongue-in-cheek way of saving rural pubs.

Jon Ellard, a web designer based near Cheltenham, is placing regular drinkers up for adoption in a bid to help promote traditional pubs throughout the county. It means that people can sponsor a regular drinker for £20 a year, which is split between charities supporting rural pubs and the drinker.

The idea for the initiative was inspired by similar projects run by zoos.

Mr Ellard told thePublican.com this week: "The 'Adopt a Local' part of the site has only been up and running for half an hour but already two drinkers from a couple of Arkell's pubs have been adopted. We've had a fantastic response.

"Sponsors get a certificate, a signed photo of their adoptee, a beer mat and a newsletter giving updates on how their drinker is doing. The money is split between charities and the drinker. The drinker can buy a few pints themselves in their local pub and this ensures that rural pubs are kept alive.

"I hope this will appeal to people who care for country pubs especially Americans, who really like the quaint, traditional pubs."

In December a report called 'Ghost Town Britain', found that six rural pubs a week were closing and a further 6,000 are expected to close by 2006.

James Arkell, managing director at Arkell's Brewery said he thought it was a fantastic idea. "The best pubs always have a regular who appears to be glued to the bar stool, or chair near the fire during opening time."

Currently, about 20 drinkers are up for adoption and Mr Ellard is looking for publicans who might want to nominate a regular at their pub. Anyone who is interested should call 01451 812225 or email: jon@pubs200.com.

Meanwhile a new website which aims to list all pubs in the UK and increase business for licensees has been launched. If you are interested in registering your pub log on to www.pubinnguide.com