08:00, 24 January 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
On Tuesday 21st January, Oxfam hosted a unique pop-up pub at the Queen’s Head in Holborn, inviting visitors to pay what they thought was fair for a pint, based on their net worth.
Their one-day pub operated under the name, The Fair Pour, and provided a thought-provoking opportunity to reflect on the stark wealth inequalities that divide society, encouraging people to consider how fairness could be better embedded in everyday life.
In a recent report by Oxfam, it was revealed that global billionaire wealth surged by $2 trillion in 2024, growing three times faster than the previous year—an increase of approximately $5.7 billion every day.
The report further highlights data from the World Bank, showing that the number of people still living in poverty—estimated at 3.5 billion—has barely changed since 1990. It warns that progress in poverty reduction has stalled and that extreme poverty could be eradicated three times faster if inequality were reduced.
At the event, Smiley News spoke with Anna Marriott, Inequality Policy Lead at Oxfam, who said: “We're opening the doors today at this pub in London to try and engage people in conversation and raise awareness about today's extreme inequality that is harming the planet, is harming democracy, and it's stalling our fight against poverty.”
With world leaders gathered in Davos for the annual World Economic Forum, Oxfam’s event served as a timely reminder that the status quo required systemic change.
“We need to fix the very unfair global economic system that is trapping poorer countries, and many people in them, in poverty. We need to rebalance and even up the way that the rules of the game play internationally.” Anne went on to emphasise.
“We need to cancel debt, and tax the super rich so that we can liberate that huge amount of wealth at the top of our economies and invest those in public services, invest that here in the NHS, but also to lift living standards around the world.”
In line with Dry January, the event offered mocktails, alcohol-free beers, and, most importantly, discussions around urgent social issues.
Oxfam’s The Fair Pour wasn’t just about raising a glass—it was about raising awareness and inspiring change.
To learn more about this campaign and support Oxfam’s work, sign their petition here: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-oxfam/tax-the-super-rich/
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Oxfam. This charity is working to end poverty and inequality, providing humanitarian aid, development programs, and advocacy for fairer policies. Find out more.
Save The Children. This international charity works to protect children's rights, providing education, healthcare, and emergency relief to children in need. Their mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and educated. Learn more here.
Trust for London. This is a charitable foundation dedicated to tackling poverty and inequality in the capital, funding initiatives that address social justice, housing, and employment issues. Their aim is to create a fairer and more inclusive London for everyone. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG No Poverty, Reduced Inequalities.
