The award was presented to Alton at CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend 2025 in Torquay this month (April).
His ‘tireless fight’ for the interests of publicans in Westminster and continuously raising awareness of pubs being at the heart of their communities were just two reasons cited as to why the trade body chief executive took the title.
This was in addition to dedicating his spare time to raising money for charitable causes in the licensed trade including Pedalling for Pubs cycling challenges and leading the UK edition - Pedalling to Pubs - for the past three years.
CAMRA awards director Gary Timmins said: “This year we had a mighty batch of nominations and it was a pleasure to judge them.
“Steve has been a prominent voice in the media in recent years, fighting for the interests of publicans by sharing their challenges and taking their voices directly to Westminster.
“Aside from his work leading a prominent trade association, he also dedicates his spare time to raising money for charitable causes in the licensed trade and is dedicated to promoting safer socialising as a director of Best Bar None.”
Alton outlined how he’s passionate about pubs, their people and the vital role the sector plays in communities.
Accepting the award, he added: “To be recognised by an organisation of more than 140,000 consumers, who have been fiercely championing fantastic pubs and beers for over 50 years is a great honour.
“There is no doubt our nation’s pubs are facing incredibly tough times and will need everyone that loves the great British pub to get behind them.”
Last month, the BII launched its ‘Our Pub’ campaign, which followed on from the organisation’s ‘My Pub’ campaign and aims to highlight how pubs are vital social hubs with MPs and wider society.
Alton added: “Right now, it’s never been more important for pubs to call on their teams, customers, local suppliers and brewers to write to their MPs, sharing their love of their community hubs and asking for the recognition and support they deserve.”
