In the biggest shake-up for 50 years the government is planning to reform the system for listing historic buildings.
The fear is that the new reform could mean less protection for listed pub buildings than under the current regime.
Last month Lord Andrew McIntosh, minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), launched a consultation paper outlining the government's plans for simplifying and improving the system for protecting listed buildings including pubs, monuments and conservation areas.
The government wants to simplify the current system by creating a single register of listed buildings which would replace the current separate protection regimes.
The government has proposed that Grade II-listed pubs, which are now registered with the DCMS, should be downgraded and listed with local authorities.
Although this change would be dependent on how effective local authority policies are, it could mean that listed pub buildings would have less protection than they have under the current system.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is already looking into the consultation document with a view to submitting its concerns for listed pub buildings.
Jonathan Mail, public affairs manager for CAMRA, said: "The standards could be different if the list is transferred to local authority control. We would be reluctant to see this happen.
"We would want the new unified system to give greater protection to listed buildings including public houses."
The government is encouraging interested parties to comment on the consultation and no firm decisions have yet been made.
Lord McIntosh said: "The aim of this review is to take a look at all the different systems of protection for our historic environment.
"The review contains a list of suggestions for change. We want to stimulate debate and hear everybody's views.
"That's why we are inviting all those involved in the sector - owners, architects, archaeologists and others involved in conservation and heritage as well as surveyors and developers - to contribute as well as members of the public who enjoy our national heritage."
The news of the government proposals follows publication of CAMRA's National Inventory report on pub interiors.
Last month the consumer organisation called on local authorities to exercise their powers over non-listed historical buildings and wants to encourage them to set up their own local property lists to protect pub interiors.
Comments on the consultation document are required by October 31 2003.
Got to www.culture.gov.uk for details of the consultation paper and how to respond.
Pictured: The Lion, Liverpool, a Grade II-listed pub
Government proposals
- all the current designations such as Grade I and Grade II will be brought together into a single, unified list of historic sites and buildings in England covering all types of historically, archaeologically or architecturally important structures
- possible transfer to local authorities of the responsibility for Grade II-listed buildings in creation of sub-regional pools of expertise to advise local authorities
- transfer responsibility for maintaining the list from the Secretary of State to English Heritage, subject to safeguards
- open up the process requiring owners, local authorities, amenity societies and the public to be informed and consulted when a proposal for listing is made.