PUBS OF ULSTER MEETS UUP

15 May 2011

Pubs of Ulster, the professional body for the licensed trade in Northern Ireland, has launched a series of political briefings with the main parties to provide them with an insight into the vital contribution made by the pub trade and to highlight the key issues facing the industry.

The series included a meeting with the UUP, including newly re-elected MLA John McCallister, at the Slieve Donard Hotel where a delegation of representatives from the pub trade were able to outline the vital work carried out by local pubs across Northern Ireland. Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster said: �The licensed trade plays a major role in Northern Ireland society in terms of creating jobs, generating income, attracting tourism and supporting the local economy. However, this vital contribution is often overlooked by the public and our local politicians. Our series of meetings with the main political parties will allow us to provide an insight into the responsible and vital work carried out by pubs across Northern Ireland. �We have found that Pubs of Ulster and the UUP share common ground in terms of our aims for the local economy and maximising Northern Ireland�s tourism potential.� As well as highlighting the vital contribution made by the industry, the series of political briefings also provides the opportunity for an open forum to discuss the issues and challenges facing the future of the industry, as set out in the Pubs of Ulster Manifesto. Colin Neill concluded: �The health of the industry is vitally important in terms of the contribution it makes to society and the economy. However, in order to create a sustainable industry, we need the support and understanding of all the key decision makers. We hope that our series of political briefings prove useful to the main parties and help to build and maintain the vital relationship between the industry and our local representatives.� Pubs of Ulster will be continuing the series of political briefings with the SDLP, Sinn Fein and the Alliance Party in coming weeks. Notes to editors: Pubs of Ulster political briefings: o DUP on 21st April 2011 at Horatio Todd�s in Belfast o UUP on 4th May at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Co Down. o Dates for meetings with SDLP, Sinn Fein and the Alliance party are to be confirmed.