Benner: Harnessing the power of local politicians is crucial

23-Nov-2012 - Last updated on 11-Mar-2017 at 20:12 GMT

Related tags Pubs Public house Beer Alcoholic beverage

Benner: "Too many politicians simply think pubs are closing because people prefer to drink at home"

The PMA team thought it would be a good idea to ask me to take on the My Shout column. Like most chief executives, I’m quite good at shouting, so I jumped at the chance to shout even more about pubs, real ale, and what the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is up to.

I’m perhaps an odd choice, since I don’t run or work in a pub. I just drink in them, but, like plenty of other Brits, I love talking about pubs and beer.

As a consumer group, CAMRA doesn’t represent licensees or pub staff, but there is no doubt that we have much in common with pub pros like you. Most of you, for example, would support us in trying to reduce the tax burden for pubs and beer and in trying to ensure the relationship between tied lessees and big pubcos is rebalanced.

My philosophy is simple; if you and your staff are happy, motivated and properly financially rewarded for running your pub, then chances are you’ll run it well, and having well-run pubs in every community is a goal for CAMRA.

Of course, we won’t always agree, but I hope these differences of views will mean my column will be interesting over the coming months.

Last month I helped CAMRA run its stand at the three main party conferences. Ours was a popular stand because everyone loves a good pub and because we were the only stand giving away free samples of real ale. We had many MPs and councillors gracing our stand, a good few ministers and secretaries of state, and even the deputy prime minster.

Two things struck me in conversations with local councillors in particular. Firstly, how pubs are viewed as important in their communities, as job creators and amenities. Secondly, just how ignorant they were about the massive challenges today’s publicans face. Sure, they know pubs are closing, but their knowledge of why and how they can help was, in most cases, limited.

Too many simply think pubs are closing because people prefer to drink at home.

That’s hardly a surprising revelation, since the challenges pubs face are many and varied. Nevertheless, it is essential we make sure that local politicians, both MPs and councillors, understand fully the importance of pubs and what they can do to help them survive and thrive.

CAMRA members are doing their bit, and it’s important that you, as a publican, do yours to get local politicians engaged with the pub. Why not invite them to your pub for a photo opportunity and to sit and talk positively about how they can help promote pubs in your area? Don’t leave it to someone else, get in touch with them today and turn your councillor into a champion for local pubs.

Mike Benner is chief executive of CAMRA