10th July 2009

Proud of Pubs Week see MPs visit Hook Norton pubs

Proud of Pubs Week, which started on 11 July, is being well supported by MPs, with four planning to visit Hook Norton pubs.

North Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry is visiting the Bell Inn, in Adderbury; Daventry MP Tim Boswell will be at the Butchers Arms Kings Sutton; Wantage MP Ed Vaizey is going to the Volunteer in Grove and Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is calling in to the Trumpet in Evesham.

Proud of Pubs is an ongoing national campaign which aims to spread the positive word about the pub trade.

Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke said: “It is vitally important that MPs support their local pubs. Hook Norton’s community pubs are vital to the towns, villages and country areas they serve. They are where people meet and socialise, and they promote responsible and sensible drinking.

“They raise thousands of pounds annually for local charities and provide the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere that brings people together every night of the week.

“Yet, high levels of taxation and competition from cheap beer in supermarkets, is making life very difficult for the independent business people who run our pubs.”

Established in 2005 by trade magazine The Publican magazine, the campaign has sought to engage with politicians, the public and pubs themselves to promote the simple message that pubs are good.

This week marks the third Proud of Pubs Week (July 11-19) when pubs across all regions of the UK will be encouraged to take part in a variety of activities to promote themselves to their communities, and to the world at large.

Proud of Pubs Week is a dedicated moment in time for licensees and their customers to remind everyone, especially their local media, of all the positive elements that pubs bring to their communities.