Those dropping into the pub for a pint or two can now stay connected thanks to the ‘Molson Coors Cloud’ solution, the result of a partnership between Purple WiFi and the brewery Molson Coors.

The new trial will see Molson Coors offer a secure gated access point for a pub’s WiFi where Molson Coors brands are stocked, such as; Carling, Coors Light and Cobra.

The access point will enable the licensees to engage with their customers directly to build loyalty and provide them relevant information and offers.

Alpesh Mistry, Molson Coors Customer Marketing Director, says: "Being a significant On Trade supplier that continues to have a direct relationship with our customers, we know publicans are looking for new modern ways to drive sales."

"The idea of having a resource that would capture customer data and then use this to attract these pubgoers back would have historically been left to those with significant time and budget. By creating Molson Coors Cloud, our hope is we are enabling any of our customers to have this ability."

Upon logging in, the customer will be given the choice of how to access the free WiFi, either by a short form or their chosen social media account. When accessing via social media, the venue can ask for a Facebook ‘Like’ or a Twitter ‘Follow’ and gain the opportunity to engage via social media or email.

Users must agree to the terms and conditions, allowing the following data to be collected during login: name, age, gender, location, email address and mobile number.

This information is stored securely in the MolsonCoorsCloud.com portal and can be used by the venue to view insights and analytics about their customers.

All data is stored in line with all legislation and best practice, and can be used by the venue.

Gavin Wheeldon, CEO, Purple WiFi comments: "The drinks industry was one of the first to recognise the demand for free WiFi. Over the past few years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of pubs that provide a WiFi hotspot for their customers."

"But the supply still isn’t meeting demand and WiFi is often unsecured, whilst offering little or no benefit to the venue. Molson Coors is paving the way within the drinks industry, turning that situation on its head by providing free WiFi and getting something tangible in return."

Upon a successful trial across 20 venues throughout the UK for a period of 6 months, Molson Coors will be looking to launch this to all outlets across the UK with clear analysis on the benefits of using this portal.

The trial has been set up using TP-LINK wireless equipment running custom Purple WiFi firmware, enabling remote management using a web-interface.