One-size fits all policy killing community pubs

The Government should reward and incentivise pubs which play a positive role in their community rather than hampering them with blanket restrictions, according to a new report.

The report also called for a pubco mandatory code of conduct to be introduced to ensure rents are calculated fairly and give tenants access to an affordable form of arbitration.

The Institute for Public Policy Research identified two key problems in Government policy:

• They are far too indiscriminate. All licensed premises have to carry the burden of regulation and increased taxation, but smaller community pubs that cause so few problems of crime and disorder are least able to take on these additional costs.

• Policy fails to recognise the important community functions that many pubs perform. They are more than just businesses and pub closures can have a serious impact on the quality of local community life.

The report found that pubs inject an average £80,000 into their local economy each year as well as facilitating many local services and events which contribute to local life.

"Government must stop using a one size fits all approach to licensed premises which is killing off our community pubs," said IPPR senior research fellow Rick Muir. "Instead responsible well-run community pubs should be encouraged and supported.

Mike Benner, Campaign for Real Ale chief executive said: "Britain's community pubs are facing unprecedented threats and communities across the land are losing this unique and essential amenity at a frightening rate.

"The Government needs to recognise the benefit well-run community pubs bring to society and reward those that deliver genuine community benefit. A new policy framework is required urgently; not only to support existing pub businesses but to promote pubs as social enterprises and this report lays the foundations for Government action."

The report recommends the Government should:

• Introduce rate relief for centres of the community.

• Allow pubs to apply for third sector finance by becoming Community Interest Companies.

• Change planning law to provide greater protection for community pubs.

• Reform the pubco-tenant relationship and introduce a mandatory code of conduct to ensure that rents are calculated in a transparent way and that there is an independent and accessible arbitration system to settle disputes between pubcos and their tenants.