The Publican’s Morning Advertiser (PMA) has joined forces with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) ahead of April’s Community Pubs Month to encourage licensees to remind customers just what makes having a local pub so valuable.

More than 7,000 pubs will be contacted individually by CAMRA and they — along with readers of the PMA — are being encouraged to host events throughout next month to promote the importance of the local pub to their communities.

CAMRA research shows that 75% of people believe a well-run community pub is as important to a town or village as a post office, local shop or community centre.

However, about a quarter of pubgoers state that they visit the pub less often than they did 12 months ago.

Action

The PMA and CAMRA want to use Community Pubs Month as a call to action for publicans and pubgoers alike and kick-start a renaissance for the trade. The campaign group will be promoting the initiative on mainstream media, via its national publications and website.

Local CAMRA branches will also be encouraged to promote the initiative throughout April to their members, generating interest and encouraging people to visit pubs.

PMA editor Rob Willock said: “We’re delighted to team up with CAMRA for this important campaign to remind the public of the vital role pubs can play in their lives. PMA readers should use this as a platform to generate footfall and attract new customers to their pubs, while having some fun along the way.”

Tom Stainer, CAMRA head of communications, said: “We would encourage pubs across the UK to organise community-focused events — anything from charity quizzes to movie nights — in an effort to show how diverse pubs can be. Equally, we would like to see those people around the UK who don’t visit their local to give it a try and support an important local business before it is gone for ever.”

Celebration

The partnership comes as Community Pubs Minister Kris Hopkins launches a national ‘day of celebration’
for all pubs listed as assets of community value (ACV). The day will be held on 23 March to recognise these pubs and urge other communities across the country to consider listing their local to give it additional protection.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is producing a ‘community asset certificate’, which will be made available to every listed pub to hang behind the bar, giving publicans the chance to celebrate the fact their pub is prized so highly by customers.

How to get involved

CAMRA and the PMA are urging licensees to sign up for Community Pubs Month and organise events during April in an effort to increase trade and promote the importance of pubs to our communities.

Visit the campaign website
to download free posters to promote the month and any events you might have running in April. Email: marketing@camra.org.uk to allow CAMRA to help promote your activity nationally and through your local CAMRA branch.

Sign up to the PMA’s free e-newsletter
, which will be offering more information and tips for promoting your pub during April.