Proud of Pubs supporters unite in Parliament

Licensees, suppliers and campaign supporters from across the industry came together with MPs at yesterday's Proud of Pubs reception at the House of Commons.

MPs were given the proud message about the pub trade personally from licensees - and were urged to sign up to the Proud of Pubs motion in Parliament.

The early day motion, tabled by John Grogan chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group six months after the launch of the new licensing regime, asks MPs to show their support for The Publican's Proud of Pubs campaign and recognise that pubs are trading responsibly under the new Act

Speaking to the attendees Mr Grogan, who hosted the event, praised The Publican for "putting its head above the parapet" last year when others were criticising the pub trade ahead of the new licensing laws.

Rooney Anand, chief executive of Proud of Pubs campaign supporter Greene King, added: "We are delighted with, and totally support, the early day motion. It is a great start. It is also no less than the nation's licensees deserve. It's about time society started standing up for pubs, and recognising them as one of our nation's greatest assets."

Caroline Nodder, The Publican's editor, said: "For too long pubs have been labelled as trouble-makers, always portrayed as part of the problem, rather than the solution. The truth is that pubs offer vital community services."

We are aiming to persuade at least 100 MPs to get behind the early day motion. Check back to thepublican.com next week to see how you can urge your MP to sign up and show their support for the pub trade.