Inquiry launched into future of community pubs
A major inquiry into the future of community pubs is being launched to help stem a huge wave of closures. The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group is launching the investigation to assess the impact red tape is having on community pubs and look at the measures the government can take to address them.
All sections of the industry, including licensees, are being urged to make submissions to a specially-formed panel.
Figures released by the Campaign for Real Ale earlier this year revealed that 26 pubs were closing a month, in stark contrast to the rise of high street bars.
Robert Humphreys, honorary secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said there were three areas the inquiry would examine.
"Firstly we will look at issues that are specific to community pubs," he said.
"We will also assess whether the benefits of the regulations that are placed on them are in proportion to the burden that they bring.
"And also if there are some things the government can do to be making things better for community pubs."
The panel, being headed up by the beer group's vice chairman Nigel Evans, MP for Ribble Valley, will then invite ministers to respond to the proposals before publishing its recommendations next June.
It is understood the idea for the inquiry was inspired by Pub is the Hub - the initiative set up in 2001 to help rural pubs provide additional services to boost their trade.
Licensees have already given their support to the inquiry. David Drew, licensee at the Marlborough Arms in Chester, Cheshire, said red tape was "an absolute nightmare" for him.
"I spend the biggest part of my day doing book work," he said.
"I've been in the trade for 30 years and it's just getting worse and worse. It's definitely putting new people off coming into the trade."
Chris Maclean, licensee at the Plough and Harrow, in Bridge, Kent said: "If they do carry out an inquiry I would welcome it.
"At the moment some of the issues that affect pubs are approached in a one-size-fits-all way, but there are things that only affect community pubs.
"There are a lot of unnecessary burdens that need to be looked at."
If you wish to make a submission to the inquiry call 01547 520724 or email humphreysr@parliament.uk
