MPs and publicans kick-off Proud of Pubs Week in Parliament

MPs, peers and licensees came together in Parliament yesterday to help kick-off celebrations for Proud of Pubs Week.

Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe was among 30 parliamentarians that attended the reception, sponsored by Marston's.

A host of licensees were given the chance to meet and chat with MPs and peers about the industry.

Beer Group chairman John Grogan MP, who hosted the reception, gave a short speech in which he said "large numbers" of MPs and members of the public were now aware of The Publican's​ four-year old initiative.

Addressing the licensees in the room, he said: "You all toil year in year out and The Publican​ is the voice of ordinary licensees up and down the land.

"Sometimes you are taken for granted, considering what hard work it is running a community pub. But I'd like to thank-you on behalf of the Houses of Parliament for all the work you do."

Daniel Pearce, The Publican's​ managing editor, highlighted that the average pub raised around £2,000 for charity each year, based on research among pub companies.

"It's an amazing statistic and a real testimony to you guys out there," he said.

Proud of Pubs was a "simple message", he added. "So let's move the politics and the doom and gloom to one side this week and focus on the community involvement and the thousands of pounds pubs raise for charity."

This week pubs up and down the country are celebrating Proud of Pubs Week, with many inviting their local MP in to talk about the industry.