Robert Humphreys named Beer Drinker of the Year
Humphreys, who recently retired after 21 years as honorary secretary of the group, was given the top accolade by chairman Andrew Griffiths, MP for Burton on Trent. Griffiths said Humphreys is “a man of total integrity with an enormous passion for beer and pubs – and an even greater sense of fun.”
'Unsung hero'
He added: “Robert has been an often unsung hero of the brewing industry; over the past two decades he has worked tirelessly to create the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, which is not only the largest All Party Group in Westminster, but also the most vibrant.
“Most MPs enjoy a beer but the Beer Group has allowed them to understand the vital role that beer and pubs play to the local economy in their own constituencies. There are about 1500 breweries in the UK and the sector employs nearly one million people. This is why it made such good economic sense to George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to cut beer duty in his last two budgets to stimulate the sector.”
Marston’s director of supply chain Emma Gilleland was named Brewer of the Year at the event, which attracted more than 250 MPs, Peers and senior industry figures. The Lifetime Achievement award was handed to Keith Bott of Titanic Brewery.
Dr Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal, was named Beer Parliamentarian of the Year, while Clive Eddord, MP for Eltham, was awarded Pub Parliamentarian of the Year.
