Beer man Humphreys awarded MBE

Robert Humphreys, who served as honorary secretary of the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group for 21 years, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Recognised for his services to alcohol policy, Humphreys is currently chairman of PASS, the Proof of Age Scheme, and the Best Bar None scheme. He is also a non-executive director of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), a trustee of the National Brewing Museum in Burton and a member of the committee of the Guild of British Beer Writers.

Andrew Griffiths, member of parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said that no-one had done more to raise awareness of British beer and pubs in Westminster and the European Parliament than Humphreys.

“He set up the Beer Group in 2003 and was its honorary secretary for an incredible 21 years. His passion for beer and pubs is only matched by his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sector, enormous charm and the sheer hard work that he has devoted to promoting our national drink. This recognition is enormously well deserved.”

Mike Benner, managing director of SIBA, added: “His determination, knowledge and enthusiasm have been of great benefit to British beer and pubs. I am delighted to be working with him as a non-executive director of SIBA in delivering our vision for Britain’s independent brewers.”

While Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, praised Humphreys for his tireless efforts to improve the relationship between the industry and Parliamentarians.

 “The beer group has played a key part in our hat-trick of duty cuts and I could not be more delighted to see Robert honoured by the Queen with the award of an MBE.”