Raoul de Vaux, host to MPs, lands an OBE

One of the trade's best known personalities, Westminster licensee Raoul de Vaux, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Sixty-four-year-old de Vaux, who runs the pub nearest the Houses of Parliament, the Red Lion in Westminster, has been rewarded for his work with National Pubwatch and for general services to the licensed trade. In a trade career spanning 30 years, de Vaux has operated as both a pub tenant and manager, but is best known for his work with pub managers' union, NALHM, which he joined as the movement was founded in 1976. He moved steadily up the union's structure over the years before becoming national president in 1999. He took over the Red Lion as manager 14 years ago and still runs the popular Spirit Group pub with his wife, Jane. His long career has enabled him to become one of the trade's best-known ambassadors and his list of MP pub regulars has provided him with a unique lobbying link with politicians of all parties over the years. "I am delighted to receive the award, although a little surprised too," he said. "I got the news a few weeks ago, but obviously had to keep quiet about it until it was officially announced," he added. The formation of the National Pubwatch, which de Vaux chairs and which the MA has supported since the outset, is the latest development in his long career. He helped the movement survive its early difficult years, but now feels it has established itself as an influential body ­ although finances still remain an on-going difficulty. In recent months, he has been "bending the ears" of MPs over the Licensing Bill. I have been bending the ears of MPs for years now about one thing or another, and this bill has been no exception. "As a magistrate, I am concerned about the proposed transfer of liquor licensing to local authorities which I feel is a retrograde step," he said. He added:" Although I am 64 now, I intend to keep going at the Red Lion as long as they will let me. I still feel the need to keep active and, just as important, keep up the pressure on MPs!