In an article published in Planning Theory & Practice, authors Marion Roberts, from the University of Westminster, and Tim Townshend, of Newcastle University, suggested that a new planning class should be established for traditional pubs where the majority of customers are seated and young people drink in a more responsible manner.
The Use Classes Order in the English planning system does not currently distinguish between different types of drinking establishment.
'Blunt tool'
However, Simon Hall, director and head of pubs at Fleurets, said while the research is “well meaning”, a different use class would be a “very blunt tool” and “exactly the type of unnecessary legislation we must avoid in this country”.
“It would be very difficult to implement due to the very wide variety of pubs. Where would you draw the line? What about a traditional alehouse with a bistro food offer in a high-street location? What about a sports bar and music venue in the middle of a village,” he said.
“There are already licensing laws in place to manage YPVs [young persons’ venues] with conditions about capacity, hours of operation, security, discount promotions, even the size of the measures that you can serve.”
'Unclear'
Stephen Taylor, MD at Guy Simmonds, said while he is a “staunch advocate” of the Localism Act, the report “may well go a stage too far”.
“The criteria that determines the planning category a pub would sit in is unclear. It would have to be more cast-iron than whether customers would be sitting or standing. It is also unclear what benefits a pub would have under a new class and my biggest fear is there would be a cost implication and more red tape,” he said.
Kevin Marsh, head of licensed leisure at Savills, said it is already difficult to distinguish between pubs and restaurants, which fall within different classes of the planning system, and the qualities of an outlet are often due to the social demographic of its local area rather than a vast difference in the type of venue.
Loopholes
Emily Ryans, campaigns manager at Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said it was more important for planning laws to close loopholes so planning permission is always required before a local pub is demolished or converted to another use.