Industry body, Pubs of Ulster has welcomed Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ivan Lewis MP to Belfast.
Mr Lewis made a trip to the city on Thursday 8th May to hear about the new Pubs of Ulster led initiative, The Great Ulster Pub Week, which was designed to champion and celebrate Ulster’s pubs for the role they play in the cultural and social fabric of life in Northern Ireland.
The inaugural Great Ulster Pub Week ran 1-9 May 2014, with over 160 pubs hosting hundreds of unique events, great food, great entertainment and great pubs.
During his visit, Mr Lewis met with Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster and Peter Dolan, owner of The Albany on Belfast’s Lisburn Road – just one of the pubs participating in The Great Ulster Pub Week.
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Pubs of Ulster said: “We are encouraged that the Shadow Secretary of State has come to Northern Ireland to meet local publicans and learn about Pubs of Ulster’s latest campaign to promote our great local pubs.
“The Great Ulster Pub has highlighted many of the great pubs we have right across Northern Ireland; showcasing their importance, not solely in economic terms but also the contribution they make to the local communities they serve.”
During his visit, Mr Lewis also met with Duncan McCausland, chair of the independent complaints panel for The Joint Industry Code for the Responsible Promotion & Retail of Alcohol in Northern Ireland to hear about the Code’s ban on irresponsible drinks promotions, which has now been in operation for over a year.
Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster added: “The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is moving forward and publicans are investing in diversifying their businesses. We are providing a world class product and this requires legislation that is fit for purpose.
“The Great Ulster Pub Week clearly demonstrated that Northern Ireland’s pubs provide a safe and enjoyable environment for their patrons, as well as contributing greatly to the communities they serve.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our Responsible Retailing Code with the Shadow Secretary of State, which demonstrates our industry’s commitment to selling alcohol responsibly and ensuring that the pub remains the safest place to consume and enjoy alcohol.”
Shadow Secretary of State, Ivan Lewis said: “Pubs make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, and also provide a hub for socialising. The high standards I experienced at The Albany today are testament to the quality of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, which makes it a brilliant place for tourists and locals alike. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit such a thriving local business.”
For further information on The Great Ulster Pub Week, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com