Stella urges communities to get behind pubs

A major new award recognising the value of London pubs to their communities will go national if it wins the attention of pub-goers.

The 'Love Your Local' initiative, launched by Stella Artois, aims to celebrate the community spirit fostered in pubs - and underline the close link between the community local and responsible drinking.

Pub-goers across the capital's 32 boroughs are being invited to nominate their local for the initiative, while publicans can also put forward their own pub.

An overall winner will pick up prizes totaling more than £8,500 in value, to be shared between the licensee and their staff. Three more cash prizes will go to runners-up along with coverage in the London Evening Standard.

Stuart MacFarlane, president of InBev UK & Ireland, said: "Stella Artois is recognising and rewarding those pubs that champion community cohesion and tap into community pride both through the nature of their environment and the support they provide to customers - both local residents and people working in the area.

"Love Your Local emphasises that pubs remain very much the pillar of the community and are playing a positive role in shaping the nature of the local environment."

Love Your Local beermats, posters, table talkers, t-shirts and other material are being made available to outlets to encourage pub-goers to back their local's campaign, with consumer voting via freepost postcards or online at www.loveyourlocal.co.uk

To stand a chance of making the shortlist, pubs must generate a number of stories from customers outlining why they love their local.

The competition is open to all pubs - not just stockists of Stella Artois. Nominate your pub, or request PoS for your pub on 0800 013 7982.