Proud of Pubs reaches Parliament
The Publican's Proud of Pubs campaign has scored a direct hit on the House of Commons, six months after the introduction of the new licensing laws.
Labour MP John Grogan has tabled a Commons motion congratulating The Publican on its campaign and the industry on a successful first six months of the new licensing regime.
The award-winning campaign, launched last year to highlight the positive face of the pub industry, has reached Parliament in the week that The Publican celebrates its 1,000th issue.
MPs from across the House are being invited to sign up to the Proud of Pubs motion and show their support for the campaign charter - and acknowlede that the predicted "armageddon" from extended opening hours has not come to pass.
John Grogan and other MPs are meeting with licensees and Proud of Pubs campaign supporters from across the industry at a Commons reception today.
Speaking before the reception, Mr Grogan - who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group - said: "The Publican's Proud of Pubs campaign has reminded us that pubs are close to the heart of the nation and are a symbol around the world of the British way of life."
As far as the new Licensing Act was concerned, it was a case of "so far, so good", the Selby, Yorkshire, MP added.
"The increased freedom for publicans and consumers seems to have been accompanied by a reduction in tension and violence in our towns and city centres late at night and in the early hours of the morning," said Mr Grogan.
Proud of Pubs supporter Ron De Vere, licensee of the Hare & Hounds in Halesowen, West Midlands - who has displayed the charter on screens throughout the pub - described the first six months of the Licensing Act as an "unmitigated success".
Like many pubs, the Hare & Hounds now has extended opening on Fridays and Saturdays, when it can close as late as 2am.
"Instead of people being forced to leave at 11.20pm they are leaving of their own accord," Mr De Vere said.
"The neighbours are happier, the cab companies are happier, the customers are happier, and we are happier because life is easier for us."
Commenting on the first six months of the act, Cllr Audrey Lewis, cabinet member for licensing at Westminster City Council, said: "There appear to have been no complaints from residents that things have become more difficult for them in Westminster as a result of the Licensing Act coming into force six months ago."
But she warned that "the testing time is still to come", as more people stand outside drinking during the summer months.
The Early Day Motion
This House
Congratulates The Publican newspaper's Proud of Pubs Charter which calls on licensees to support measures such as not serving anyone who is drunk, not allowing unaccompanied children on the premises, asking for ID if customers appear to be under 21, whilst also striving to offer top-quality service and a warm welcome to all customers;
recognises that the vast majority of the 60,000 pubs in the United Kingdom trade responsibly and act as a focal point for their community;
notes that the liberalisation of licensing laws contained in the Licensing Act 2003 and implemented from 24 November 2005 has increased choice for consumers whilst according to initial indications has had at the same time a positive effect on alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour.
