Sailor Jerry campaigns for bartender appreciation

Sailor Jerry spiced rum has created a new on-trade campaign in the UK calling for a nationally recognised Bartender Appreciation Day.

Sailor Jerry rum has launched a new campaign in the UK calling for Bartender Appreciation Day

The brand’s campaign is calling for 100,000 signatures to bring a petition to parliament and have Bartender Appreciation Day recognised as an official holiday, giving bartenders across the country a day off work.

According to research conducted by Sailor Jerry, half of bartenders feel under-appreciated by UK drinkers, with over 60% named customers waving cash and clicking their fingers as the worst consumer habit.

Alongside this campaign, Sailor Jerry has launched a search for the ‘Nation’s Favourite Bartender’, allowing fans to nominate and vote for their favourite bartender online.

“At Sailor Jerry, we value the skill and craft of bartending and think it’s about time the front line men and women felt some appreciation for their damn hard work,” said Riana Gallagher, senior brand manager for Sailor Jerry at First Drinks, the brand’s UK distributor.

“Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins’ values of craftsmanship, independence and originality are at the heart of everything we do and with this in mind, Bartender Appreciation Day and The Nation’s Favourite Bartender have been launched to recognise and reward bartenders for their role in the drinks trade.”

The bartender who recieves the most votes will win a trip to the Sailor Jerry House in Austin, Texas, in 2015 as well as a Sailor Jerry Presents gig in their hometown. Top 20 nominees will be given a special limited edition Sailor Jerry Cocktail kit.

Consumers can nominate their number one bartender by going to www.bartendersday.co.uk. The winner with the most votes by 31st August will be crowned The Nation’s Favourite Bartender.