The Guv'nor Godfrey Page

Mayhem on the streets?

Don't blame the pubs

I would like to start by saying that the future of pubs is looking good. But I can't. In 2005 when the new licensing regime came into force there were grounds for optimism.

A few were granted the promised freedom and flexibility, but many got modest improvements to their trading hours.

Despite this, the media, and, dare I say, several chief constables, have continued to attack 24-hour licensing and so the public's perception is of an increase in anti-social behaviour. Until recently, the problems were put firmly at the door of the pub. At last, this is changing — supermarkets are now in the firing line.

The recent Government review has confirmed that in the first two years antisocial behaviour has not increased and sales of alcohol continue to fall. A small number of licensed premises opens 24/7.

We're again threatened with new measures to ensure we do not trade irresponsibly, but the Licensing Act already gives all the responsible authorities sufficient powers. What we do need is action taken against members of the public who cause mayhem on the streets and underage individuals who buy or attempt to buy alcohol.

A well-run pub is a controlled environment where customers' drinking and behaviour is monitored, but there is absolutely no control over those who drink at home or on the streets. This contributes to most antisocial behaviour and underage drinking. The review said that in excess of 40% of children obtain their alcohol from home.

The Chancellor has recently announced a substantial increase in alcohol duty. Fantastic! More people will move away from pubs and add to the current problems. Pubs continue to close at an alarming rate, the smoking ban being a major factor, and recent increases in beer prices and the duty hikes have added to hosts' problems.

My colleague, Brian Rees, and I have visited many members in serious financial difficulty. Sadly, in most cases, help is sought too late. Overdrafts and loans have been used to simply pay the bills without any real chance of a recovery. Our advice to all is: ask for help when things first start becoming difficult.

I would ask all pubcos to review their policies and take a more pro-active role to ensure good tenants survive. This is in their best interests. Many tenants are paying rents determined a few years ago based on sustainable trade. The ban alone has reduced substantially the sustainable trade and increases in prices for stock and services have added to difficulties. Rent reductions would help keep good hosts trading and improve goodwill.

If we all work together we may still hang on to the good British pub.