Government's "one-size-fits-all" policy killing local pubs
Government's "one-size-fits-all" policy killing local pubs
Tuesday 31st March 2009
The government's narrow minded approach to regulating pubs is killing the industry, according to a report published today.The report for the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) said the government needed to take urgent action to stop the closure of small pubs, which they claim are at the centre of many communities.
The report made a series of recommendations including a 50 per cent reduction on business rates, grants for struggling pubs and a rethink on planning laws for those pubs which are considered to be part of a healthy community.
The report insisted small, often rural pubs were being punished under government regulations designed to tackle crime and disorder in town and city public houses, and negative associations with pubs and bars were overlooking the important role they can play in brining people together.
Rick Muir, a senior research fellow with the ippr, said: "Government must stop using a one size fits all approach to licensed premises which is killing off our community pubs. Instead responsible well-run community pubs should be encouraged and supported.
"Ippr research shows community pubs aren't just places to drink but also places where people meet their neighbours; where local clubs hold meetings and events; and which support many important local services such as village post offices and general stores."
It is estimated around 39 pubs are closing every week, with the recession blamed for plunging the industry into an even deeper crisis.
The report stressed pubs can bring in £80,000 to a local economy, but the ippr found cheap supermarket offers on alcohol, increases in beer tax and a shift from beer to wine drinking were also having an impact on the number of people regularly visiting their local.
The proposed business rate breaks and third sector grants would be calculated using a formula to measure the social impact of each individual pub, allowing regulators to see who qualifies.
Chief executive of the Real Ale Campaign Mike Benner said: "The government needs to recognise the benefit well-run community pubs bring to society and reward those that deliver genuine community benefit. A new policy framework is required urgently; not only to support existing pub businesses but to promote pubs as social enterprises and this report lays the foundations for government action."
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