Hundreds already helped by Tap into WaterAid
The pub industry has been praised for helping transform hundreds of lives by getting on board with a Publican backed initiative.
More than 100 pubs have already signed up to Tap into WaterAid, after The Publican urged pubs to ask for donations of 15p every time a customer orders tap water at the bar.
The launch coincided with the introduction of the mandatory code of practice, meaning pubs are now legally obliged to provide free tap water.
In the last month alone, 120 pubs signed up and £5,000 was raised by guests at The Publican Awards.
And now the BII has vowed to encourage members to back the initiative. Chief executive Neil Robertson said: "We are very keen to promote it because we think it is a great scheme and we are sure members will want to support it."
Money raised through the initiative will help provide safe water and sanitation to some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia.
Cara Keane, WaterAid corporate account manager, said the money raised so far will benefit hundreds of people.
She said: "We're hugely grateful to everyone who showed their support and dug deep at the recent Publican Awards.
"This money alone could help to transform the lives of over 330 people with safe water and sanitation and we hope people will take the initiative back to their own pubs to continue this remarkable effort."
One licensee already backing the scheme is Helen Neal of the Endeavour in Chelmsford, Essex.
She said: "It's too early to say how much we have raised but customers have been very happy to make a donation for their tap water."
Get in touch with the WaterAid team to sign up by calling 020 7793 4949 or visit www.tapintowateraid.org/thepublican
