Proud of Pubs Week: Get your MP into your pub

With a change in government and more than 200 newly elected MPs there has never been a better time to get the people in power into your pub.

And Proud of Pubs Week 2010 is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The MP-led Business, Innovations and Skills report into pub companies; pub closures and the appointment of a minister for pubs by the previous government shows that our trade is firmly on the political agenda.

It is now imperative for pubs to ensure that their local MPs understand the issues facing the industry and also grasp the benefits that pubs bring to communities across the country. So, as in previous years, we want licensees to take the initiative by using the letter on the right to invite MPs in to get the real story of life behind the bar.

Tell them how pubs support their communities, raise hundreds of thousands for charity, provide employment opportunities and are the home of responsible and social drinking.

With the coalition government vowing to repeal unpopular laws and looking likely to take action on cut-price supermarket alcohol, now is the time to get the message across about how such things impact on your business.

Last year scores of MPs responded to your letters by visiting pubs, including then licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe, former Tory leader Michael Howard, and Lib Dem Don Foster.

Greg Mulholland, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, also backed the week and will be doing so again this year.

He said: "Proud of Pubs Week continues to go from strength to strength, raising awareness of the vital role pubs play in our communities and their important place in attracting tourism and visitors to the UK. The Publican has a proud tradition of raising the issues that matter to people within the trade and I wish them every success with this year¹s Proud of Pubs Week."

And while your MP is in your pub, why not try to get any local celebrities and the local press in to mark the week too?

On top of the push to get politicians into pubs there is a whole host of activities planned for Proud of Pubs Week, which runs from July 19 to 25.

This year we are urging licensees to get involved in the following:

• Monday July 19 ­ Launch the week and celebrate how great pubs are with a Proud of Pubs Party.
• Tuesday July 20 ­ Raise funds for a great cause.
• Wednesday July 21 ­ Build your online community and make the web work for you.
• Thursday July 23 ­ A Day to Diversify: try to add a new strand to your business.
• Friday July 24 ­ Spread the word ­ get local MPs, newspaper reporters and celebrities into your pub.

We want pubs across the country to make the most of Proud of Pubs Week so we would love to hear how you plan to mark the occasion.

In the run up we will also be providing details of how you can get your hands on our very own Proud of Pubs Summer Ale which has been brewed by The Celt Experience and is set to raise funds for our chosen charity WaterAid.

We will also be making merchandise - such as Proud of Pubs T-shirts, badges and beermats - available to licensees.

To let us know your Proud of Pubs Week plans and to register your interest in the event email proudofpubs@thepublican.com​ or call 020 7955 3714

Contact your MP

Download the letter and fill in the details, and send it to your MP.

Not sure who your MP is? Visit findyourmp.parliament.uk ​ or call the House of Commons information office on 020 7219 4272