Bars Get a Helping Hand from Short Sleeve Social

A Newcastle-based bar owner is taking matters into his own hands in his work to support the hard-hit hospitality sector.
 

Elliot Towsey, owner of Billy Bootleggers Bars and brand, has started a clothing brand that will see a percentage of money from every sale going direct to the buyer’s favourite drinking venue.
 

The online store Short Sleeve Social (www.shortsleeve.social) has only been open for business for a matter of days but orders are starting to flow. People who make a purchase from the range of T-shirts and sweatshirts are asked to nominate a pub, bar or club – with £5 from every sale going to the owners of the licenced premises.
 

Elliot, who owns the American-inspired bars in Newcastle upon Tyne and Nottingham, said: “What a time it’s proving to be for our beloved nightlife industry. Through no fault of their own, the future of too many of our pubs, clubs and venues is hanging in the balance.

“We had to try and do something after losing out on takings for so many months, so that’s why I’ve co-created the Short Sleeve Social with my friend and fellow businessman Graeme Stewart. I want to try and give something back to the industry that has given me so much over the years.”

The merchandise has messages such as ‘Pubs were good’ and ‘I miss gigs’ on the front and is available in a range of colours, sizes and styles.
 

Graeme Stewart, Co-owner of the Short Sleeve Social, said: “We know restrictions are going to be here for a while and although some pubs are able to open and operate under the stringent regulations, our thoughts go out to the establishments that can’t, that are going to have to keep their doors closed for another few months.

“We’re encouraging as many pubs and bars as possible to get involved. All they need to do is post a link to our site on social media and ask their loyal customers to put their name in on the checkout page. There really is no catch, £5 from every single order will go directly to them.”
 

With other industries still feeling the pinch, the Short Sleeve Social is already planning its second social initiative to help organisations around the country.
 

To support your local pub, club or bar, head to https://www.shortsleeve.social and enter their name at the checkout.