Home News Coalition ministers change the law to protect the Great British pub

Coalition ministers change the law to protect the Great British pub

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Ministers announce even greater protection for pubs.

Ministers today (26 January 2015) announced they will change the law to provide even greater protection for pubs which play a crucial role at the heart of our communities.

This action will stop valued community pubs from being demolished or converted into different uses against the will of local people.

Ministers have already abolished the unpopular beer and alcohol duty escalators, cut business taxes for pubs and armed people with the power to list their local as an asset of community value.

So far more than 600 locals have already been listed as assets of community value and therefore protected from being sold off under the nose of the community they serve. People who list their local pubs are then given 6 months and the support they need to come together with a community bid to buy it should it be put up for sale.

Due to the passion demonstrated for pubs by the significant numbers listed as assets, ministers believe communities should also be given the right to consider planning applications when changes are proposed to the use of their listed locals.

This provides the right balance between protecting valued community pubs, but avoiding blanket regulation which would lead to more empty and boarded up buildings. Blanket regulation could also have adverse consequences on the asset value of pub buildings, harming the financial viability of the pub industry.

This government recognises the economic, environmental and social benefits of allowing redundant buildings to be converted into productive uses without excessive red tape.

Community Pubs Minister Kris Hopkins said:

“The Great British pub is a national treasure which is why we are determined to protect it. Aside from being part of the social and cultural fabric of our nation, pubs also provide thousands of jobs and boost the economy by £21 billion a year.

“A lot of hard work has been put in by communities up and down the land to protect their beloved local from sell-off and I am delighted this latest government action will strengthen their hand further. This change in the law will provide even greater protection for local pubs and give communities even more of a say in their preservation.

“But the planning system can only do so much: planning rules cannot keep pubs open which are not making money. Lower taxes, less regulation and a growing economy are the best way to support a thriving and diverse pub sector.”

Communities Minister Stephen Williams added:

“This government wants to help to protect local pubs where they are seen to be important community assets and to ensure they are working in the best interests of the communities they serve.

“That is why we have been funding terrific organisations such as Pub is the Hub and the Plunkett Foundation whose advice line provides a wealth of advice and information for communities looking to take over their local. This is helping create a growing number of thriving co-operative businesses run by and for the local community.”

This latest government support comes as landlords tied to pub companies are being given new rights under a statutory code of practice, which addresses the imbalance of power between pub companies and their tenants to ensure all parties are treated fairly.

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