Minister for Pubs to speak at BII's Annual Lunch
The Great Yarmouth MP, who was appointed as the Community Pubs Minister following a Government re-shuffle last September,will use his debut at the BI Lunch to outline his vision for a ‘progressive and sustainable’ pub industry.
“I’m really keen to have dialogue with the industry and for it to have access to me,” said Lewis. “The industry can use me as a vessel to make its case across government. I am really passionate about that.”
Lewis’ ‘passion for pubs’ became evident Last December when his department donated £150,000 to ‘not-for-profit’ organisation Pub is the Hub, which offers advice and support to licensees, rural pubs and community services.
Interactive event
Over 1,000 licensees are expected to attend the the BII Annual Lunch and AGM on 14 May. The event will also be used to unveil the winners of both the 2013 BII Licensee of the Yearand the Jeremy Allen Award,which was launched last year in memory of the founding partner of licensing specialist Poppleston Allen.
The BII’s chief executive Tim Hulme, who has just taken the reigns from Peter Thomas,will also be delivering an innaugral speech, capping what he calls a ‘remarkable and transformational period for the institute' as it heads into its 32nd year of service.
“The 25th BII Annual Lunch presents a fantastic networking opportunity for the industry,” said Hulme. “This is a modern, interactive event, which celebrates the great work the BII does in supporting the licensed trade and raising standards across the board.
“As we reflect on the previous 25 years of this event and the changes that have come to pass, we will look ahead to the next quarter century and to supporting and developing the next generation of pub managers and licensees.”
To book your place for at the BII Lunch, visit www.bii.org/annuallunch.
