Pubs raise over £100m for charity

Pubs in the UK raised more than £106 million in the last year for different charities, an average of £2,742 per pub.

The Boathouse Inn in Wylam

A study conducted by CGA on behalf of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and PubAid, which highlights the charitable work of pubs, showed that funds raised annually by pubs had increased by nearly 5% since 2010.

Camra has issued around 7,000 free promotional packs to pubs to help them advertise what they have charity events planned for July. This campaign will not only benefit charities but also encourage more people to support their community pubs, which is important at a time when 26 pubs are closing every week.

Mike Benner, Camra’s chief executive said: “Camra and PubAid feel it is time British pubs got the recognition for the amazing funds they raise for numerous charities across Britain. Pubs can get unfairly blamed for a lot of anti-social behaviour but often the alcohol that has led to these problems has not been drunk in pubs.

“The pub industry has been struggling in these tough economic times but our new research shows all parties win if pubs run charity events. The charities get important funds, pubs get busier and the locals get some fun events to attend. We hope everyone will encourage their local pub to participate in July’s ‘Pubs & Charity’ month and the community will support these activities.”

A separate independent survey commissioned for CAMRA and PubAid by TNS, showed that more people would use their local pubs if more charity events were organised. More than 20% of all adults agreed with this statement and 32% of young adults aged 18-24 said they would use their local more regularly if more events supported charities.

Des O’Flanagan, one of the co-founders of PubAid, said: “What other industry can demonstrate such generosity and selflessness in this economic climate. These results should act as a reminder that pubs are very much part of the fabric of our community and make a meaningful contribution”.