Government urged to act after 576 West Midlands pubs close down

Mar 31 2009 by Emma McKinney, Birmingham Mail

“Our community pubs are facing unprecedented threats and communities across the land are losing this unique and essential amenity at a frightening rate,” he added.

“The Government needs to recognise the benefit well-run community pubs bring to society and reward them.

“Pubs are more than just businesses and pub closures can have a serious impact on the quality of local community life.

“A new policy framework is required urgently – not only to support existing pub businesses but to promote pubs as social enterprises.”

He said pubs injected an average £80,000 into their local economy each year, adding more value than beer sold through shops and supermarkets.

Rick Muir, spokesman for IPPR, said the closure of local pubs often meant the loss of a meeting place for charities, sports clubs and social groups.

“The Government must stop using a one-size-fits-all approach to licensed premises, which is killing off our community pubs,” he said.

IPPR and Camra have now sent the Government a raft of recommendations to save community pubs, including giving discounts on business rates, issuing loans and grants and improving relationships between pub companies and landlords.

Don Shenker, of charity Alcohol Concern, backed the campaign, adding: “Community pubs perform a valuable social function and are frequently the cornerstone of rural life, providing safe and friendly drinking environments.

“Such pubs are often excellent examples of responsible drinks retailing.

“We support IPPR and Camra’s work to improve responsible retailing and sustain those businesses which sell alcohol responsibly.”