PUBS OF ULSTER CALLS FOR ACTION TO PROTECT PUB INDUSTRY

03 November 2010

The Northern Ireland Assembly must address a series of legislative and policy issues if the 35, 000 jobs and �1 billion pub industry is to be sustained, according to a new document published today.

Pubs of Ulster, the professional body of the licensed trade in Northern Ireland which represents over 70 per cent of the industry, has created its �manifesto� to communicate the full range of issues and challenges currently facing the industry and to clearly outline the priorities and actions required for the licensed trade to grow and develop. Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster explained: �As the representative body of the licensed trade in Northern Ireland, Pubs of Ulster represents the industry on a number of issues across a range of audiences. Our role has become increasingly important in recent years with many pubs experiencing tough times and many going into administration. Our manifesto provides a comprehensive guide for not only our members on the current issues that affect their business but also for the range of stakeholders whose actions impact upon the licensed trade locally.� Despite the significant contribution made by the pub trade, the industry has been under considerable pressure in recent years with the ongoing difficult economic climate coupled with new and proposed legislation making trading increasingly difficult. To address this, Pubs of Ulster has identified the priorities and actions required for the licensed trade to reach its full potential in four key areas: social responsibility; driving economic growth; business equality and sustainability. In addition to outlining their stance on issues such as Liquor Licensing Reform, the environment and opening hours, the manifesto also addresses issues that are currently high on the political and media agenda. With the current focus on the responsible retailing and consumption of alcohol, Pubs of Ulster outlines its position on two of its key objectives, the need to ban the below cost selling of alcohol by the major supermarkets and the ban on the advertising of alcohol promotions. Colin Neill concludes: �While many people will be aware of some of the issues affecting the industry, such as minimum pricing and alcohol promotions, there are a range of factors that do not receive the same much needed attention. The pub trade faces an uncertain future and raising awareness of and taking action on the issues affecting the sector is vital. Our manifesto clearly outlines the current issues and actions needed to help the pub sector to grow and develop and to ensure the future sustainability of the licensed trade in Northern Ireland.� The Pubs of Ulster manifesto can be found in the October edition of Hospitality Review or by visiting 'Industry Representation - Our Position' here on the website.