£190k funding boost to support rural pubs

Community pubs minister Jake Berry announced yesterday (25 March) that 76 new projects will receive money through Pub is the Hub.

Berry said: “Our pubs are at the heart of local communities, supporting thousands of jobs and providing places for local residents to not only enjoy a pint but also to get together.

“The encouragement, advice and support given by Pub is the Hub is proving invaluable in helping rural pubs expand their offer."

Welcome meeting places

He added: “Pubs are not only places to drink but also homes to essential community services and providing welcome meeting places to help tackle rural isolation.”

Berry has written to all the major players in the drinks and pub industry, urging them to join the Government in supporting village locals across the country.

Pub is the Hub chief executive John Longden highlighted the opportunities the funding will give pubs and their customers.

Vital connections

He said: “This funding will be welcomed by many projects and will be a huge boost for thousands of people living in and visiting rural communities.

“Services and activities delivered by professional pub licensees through their businesses can provide a wide range of benefits, basic groceries, library books, training courses, outlets for local suppliers and new jobs – all delivering improved levels of wellbeing through vital social connections.”

Government support for Pub is the Hub now totals more than £500,000 and includes finance towards its community services fund to help licensees better understand the needs of locals and deliver on these as best as possible.