New planning class should be created for traditional pubs, states report

Authors Marion Roberts, from the University of Westminster, and Tim Townshend, from Newcastle University, suggested a new planning class is established for traditional pubs that are more likely identified with “public good” and where the majority of customers are seated, to distinguish them from licensed premises more associated with “social ills”.

The Use Class Order in the English planning system does not distinguish between different types of drinking establishment, although the Government is providing special support to community pubs through the Localism Act 2011 and community services grants.

Youth drinking​

Roberts and Townshend came to the conclusion after discussing research into youth drinking culture in England.

In a study conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a sample of young adults said they has one or two drinks on a weekday evening or sometimes drank no alcohol at all at a traditional pub, which was contrasted with heavy drinking at high street bars or at house parties.

Those surveyed also said they were prepared to travel to meet friends and that their pub-going routines were rarely confined to their 'local'. This suggests that while the Localism Act may be effective in supporting well-organised community groups, it "does not meet the needs of a younger, mobile demographic", the authors said.

'Reinforce social ties'​

In the report titled ‘Young adults and the decline of the urban English pub: issues for planning’, the authors also pointed out that pubs reinforce social ties and networks, and supported the argument that pubs contribute to social sustainability and to health, or at least a healthier mode of alcohol consumption.

Roberts said: "It may seem paradoxical to support going to pubs as part of a healthier lifestyle and it is important not to romanticise pubs as there are issues about the extent to which young women feel welcome or comfortable in them and that applies to other groups. Nevertheless, the planning system has been called on by politicians to help local pubs to survive and it does seem that this issue should be taken seriously."