PRESS RELEASE

July 2007

JOHN HEALEY MP PULLS THE PINTS AT THE CROWN IN PROUD OF PUBS WEEK

John Healey MP called in at The Crown in Rawmarsh as publicans across the county celebrated Proud of Pubs Week.

John Healey is one of more than 100 MPs who visited pubs during the national celebration organised by The Publican magazine.

The MP had the chance to see for himself the contribution that The Crown makes in its community, as well as discussing issues following the smoking ban.

Other events in Proud of Pubs Week included licensees raising a glass to their barstaff in a national toast, and pubs putting on their own Proud of Pubs Night, many of them trying out new entertainment for the first time.

Recent research carried out for The Publican underlines how many pubs transformed themselves before England’s smoking ban began:

-  More than eight out of 10 (84%) now welcome families 

- One in three pubs (31%) is laying on new entertainment following the smoking ban – including everything ranging from karaoke and beer festivals to video snail racing

- 96% serve food after the smoking ban

- Eight out of 10 (82%) have an outside area, with eight out of 10 (78%) of these pubs having a dedicated area for smokers 

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: Joanne Wilson, Office of John Healey MP, Tel - 01709 512463

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON PROUD OF PUBS WEEK CONTACT: DANIEL PEARCE AT THE PUBLICAN ON 020 7955 3710 or 07941 257842, or visit www.thepublican.com/proudofpubs

Notes:

* The survey of 500 licensees was carried out for The Publican magazine by drinks industry sales and marketing agency Box Marketing, between June 14 and 21 2007.