'Cyber pubs' log on

Pubs will have £1-a-time "surf centres"

A Welsh internet concept to bring pubs on-line has won an order with 80 pubs in west Wales.

Negotiations are under way with other national brewers , a major bookmaker and the telecommunications giant NTL.

Information technology specialists ITEC have picked up on the idea and are already planning pub-based IT courses.

Two friends came up with the idea of coin-in-the-slot internet machines for pubs clubs and motorway service centres- offering entertainment, business links and computer training.

Business people can check their e-mails in pubs as they travel

Ian Muxworthy, Cyberpub director

On Tuesday, Cyberpub handed over their first 10 ready-to-go "surfcentres" to the Llanelli-based Felinfoel Brewery at the Boar's Head in Lammas Street.

The brewery company is already committed to ordering another 70 centres to equip pubs from Haverfordwest to Merthyr Tydfil.

The surfcentres have a fruit-machine-like appearance with 500mhz computers under an angled-screen front that allows easy access to the keyboard but is designed to prevent damage from beer spillages.

Each surfcentre has full internet facilities for information education and entertainment.

Another major South Wales brewers, Cardiff-based Brains is showing an active interest and with the possibility of easy, tax-free betting from any pub, bookmakers Corals are also in early negotiations.

The new company has adopted the name "Cyberpub" with the two friends - businessman and publican Ian Muxworthy and well-known broadcaster Steve Dewitt - as directors.

They have brought together a small group of local companies to build the first batch of Cyberpub Surfcentres.

Computer Station in Llanelli will provide the hardware and Swansea joinery company David Sparkes is building the kiosks.

The specialist software has been prepared by graduate electronics and computer expert Michael Keating.

Information technology consultants ITEC - who work closely with the WDA, Business Connect and West Wales TEC - are also in talks with Cyberpub about training courses in pubs during quieter periods.

Computer literacy

Cyberpub director Ian Muxworthy said: "The benefits to businessmen are obvious.

"They won't have to carry and use lap-tops, they can check their e-mails in pubs as they travel.

"The potential for increasing computer literacy and use - in line with the Prime Minister's recently announced targets - is tremendous."

Local MP Denzil Davies is giving the new company his enthusiastic support - anticipating a major boost for the local economy if a manufacturing and maintenance base is developed locally.

"This type of initiative can help to restore community awareness and spirit."