Marston's backs National Pub Week

Marston's has thrown its full support behind Inez Ward's National Pub Week and will encourage all its tenants and managers to take part.

The Week, running from 31 October to 7 November, will promote the positive aspects of the pub trade and aims to get customers back in pubs. The week has been chosen as it incorporates Halloween, bonfire night and half term.

However, Marston's support is surprising given that Ward's campaign group, Justice for Licensees, is also highly critical of the way pubcos treat their tenants and is campaigning for change.

Former Enterprise lessee Ward praised the move and said it proved the pub trade could work together. "This is a week to promote all that is good about the British pub," she said. "I think it's excellent news. Marston's have led the way and I call on others to get on board with this. It is for the good of the whole trade. It is a week for those who truly care about the trade."

She added: "The benefits of the Great British pub not only include the social aspects and the charity work carried out by pubs but also providing venues where drinking can be enjoyed in a responsible and controlled environment.

"A night out down your local, meeting up with old friends, socializing with new friends, pool, darts, cards, dominoes, quizzes, food, entertainment — little can beat the experience of a good night out down at your local Great British pub."

Pete Lyne, Marston's head of retail solutions, said: "Marston's is delighted to back National Pub Week. This initiative gives the trade a platform to promote pubs and their intrinsic role in our society. We will be encouraging our licensees to take part through a series of business building activities linked to Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night."

Last week, darts legends Eric Bristow and John Lowe voiced their support for the campaign.