Tasmanians are being encouraged to support their local bartenders in a campaign to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

The Minister for Hospitality, Scott Bacon, said the U.G.L.Y. (Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You) Bartender of the Year sees bartenders from around Australia host a series of fun events and activities to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

"The U.G.L.Y Bartender of the year is a fun way to raise funds for a serious cause," he said.

"With activities in Tasmania last year including putting an U.G.L.Y spin on Melbourne Cup functions or the swear jar, our bartenders have shown they've got great ideas for fun events that capture the imaginations of patrons.

"Last year, Tassie bartenders raised more than $70,000 to support the Leukaemia Foundation, and this year we want to see them build on that, with organisers hoping to raise around $100,000.

"I'd encourage Tasmanians to get behind this worthwhile cause and support their local U.G.L.Y bartender."

Mr Bacon said the bartender who raises the most funds will be crowned U.G.L.Y Bartender of the year, and win a trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach.

For more information on the U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the year, visit http://www.uglybartender.org.au