A NORTH Yorkshire landlady would take on her work experience barman full time – but he’s due back in the House of Commons next week.

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams took a spell at the beer pumps at The Crown, Great Ouseburn, near Boroughbridge, to find out more about the difficulties facing pub owners and managers.

“It is clearly an industry that is facing its challenges,” he said. “I think it is important, as a politician, that I take a number of experiences back for when legislation is being debated which could potentially affect the industry.

“What better way of doing that than actually working behind the bar and waiting on tables?”

Mr Adams is vice-chair of the Parliamentary all-party beer group and a member of the Parliamentary all-party Save the Pubs group.

His private members’ bill to prevent vital community buildings being redeveloped without community consultation looks set to become law as part of the Government’s Localism Bill.

Landlady Liz Jackson said Mr Adams had done “very well” as a barman and waiter, and he had seen at firsthand just how much work went into running a pub, including cleaning up after closing time.

“People were surprised to see him,” she said. “It has given him a chance to speak to them and gave him a view from the other side of the bar.”

The pub industry was struggling, particularly in rural areas, she added. Food was important, as customers were not prepared to drive long distances just for a good beer.