A former Tory staffer has embarked on a unique mission to down a pint in all 650 UK constituencies in a bid to save struggling British pubs. Jay Chan, a former assistant to MP Marco Longhi, is concerned that anti-smoking measures and high taxes are threatening the existence of many pubs. Chan, 18, aims to visit a pub in each constituency and gulp down a drink in one go while engaging with locals and activists from various political backgrounds.
The idea originated during a visit to a Nottingham pub last month, where Chan challenged patrons to support the Conservative Party if he could finish a pint of beer swiftly. Since then, he has consumed 10 pints across Midlands constituencies and launched a GoFundMe campaign to finance trips to London and other major UK cities. Chan believes that pubs play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and wants to raise awareness about their significance.
Chan, who hails pubs as “magic for bringing communities together,” advocates for the Government to lower taxes, extend opening hours, and reconsider plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens. His social media posts showcase his rapid pint-downing skills, attracting over 5,000 followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Originally from Hong Kong, Chan emphasises the importance of preserving British culture and communities by supporting struggling pubs.
In addition to his pint-downing challenge, Chan advocates for easier procedures for pubs to gain listed status and suggests that councils should actively promote and assist in the sale of pubs. With a £2,000 fundraising goal for his London trip, Chan plans to allocate any additional funds to charitable causes. In his campaign description, he states, “I’m doing this because pubs are in decline, and it’s a bleeding of British culture. It’s only right that we stop it.”
Those interested in supporting Chan’s mission can contribute to his GoFundMe campaign. His initiative has garnered attention and support from individuals across the political spectrum, reflecting the widespread concern over the decline of British pubs.