Local pubs 'invaluable' to communities
According to the report from the not-for-profit think-tank, key highlights on UK pubs net worth included:
Economic impact: It is reported the beer and pub sector contributes £34.3bn to the UK economy annually, supporting more than 1m jobs.
Social value: Pubs are recorded as vital for community cohesion, as well as providing spaces for social interaction and tackling isolation.
Public support: The report reads that a substantial majority of British adults at (72%) believe pubs have a beneficial, positive impact on their communities.
Policy challenges: It is also reported the current tax, regulatory and planning environment contribute significant challenges to the pub sector.
Responding to the report, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said: "This Localis report said pubs deserve Government support, as they are an integral part of the UK's social fabric. CAMRA is calling on Rachel Reeves to use the Budget cut on draught beer and cider served in pubs social clubs and taprooms.
"CAMRA is also calling on the Chancellor to deliver on the Labour manifesto promise of introducing a fairer business rates system in England. This is desperately needed to stop locals being crippled by huge rates bills under an unfair system."
Key polling results
A report, titled Inn-Valable 2: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs was held at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, on Monday 23 September, where Localis advised the Government to kick-start a taskforce in order to eradicate any issues that could jeopardise the beer and pub sector. This, according to Localis, cumulatively supports more than 1m jobs, generates £34.3bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £1.14bn in tax revenues to the exchequer annually.
Report author and Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: “Pubs are more than just businesses; they are the heart and soul of our communities.
“To ensure their long-term survival, we need a policy framework that recognises their value and supports their continued success."
According to polling carried out by YouGov for the report, 72% of people felt the impact of pubs to community life to be positive.
When asked if pubs are key contributors in uniting people and bringing them together, more than four-in-five or (81%) of British adults supported these statements, with just 14% deciding they were not.
Polling carried out for the report also showcased nearly three quarters, or (73%) of British adults also felt pubs helped to battle loneliness in their local areas.
Similarly, between pro-community activities that were supported by local pubs, almost half (42%) of individuals knew of pub events that invited the community to band together, with more than a quarter (27%) also aware of local pubs that assisted charities with 19%, also aware of local pubs that supported vulnerable people in the local area.
Other contributing research identified from case studies taken from pubs across the country represented some key themes on how the sector further supports local people and communities. These themes included:
- Preventing isolation
- Encouraging local causes
- Banding local business together
- Keeping prices lowered so pubs remain accessible social spaces for all members throughout communities.
BBPA insights
Chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) Emma McClarkin shared her thoughts on the research. She stated: “This research cements what people up and down the country know and believe – that the pub is a home from home, the beating heart of our towns and villages, and offers a warm welcome to people from all walks of life.
“As this research proves, pubs aren’t just about a pint – people know pubs stave off loneliness, support the vulnerable in their communities, and raise millions for charity, Government must use this Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and maintain 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can remain a cherished part of society.”
Pollsters also found, among people who have visited a pub, more than half (53%) had met a friend while in one, 38% of people having visited the pub to meet family, a quarter (26%) enjoyed Sunday lunch at a pub and 11% of the public attended a pub-held birthday party also within that timespan.
Furthermore, 7% of the public also used pubs for dating purposes and 20% of people also watched sporting events.
Another additional key recommendation of the report calls for short-term support by extending business rates relief for hospitality and increasing this window to three years in line with the spending review period, in order to provide long-term certainty to pub landlords.
The report authors also call for a Government taskforce to help stop the decline of the great British pub, which would identify policies to ensure long-term sustainability for the sector. These include:
- Reviewing business rates and excise duty
- Providing employment incentives to ensure pubs remain employing younger members of staff
- Examining planning policies to support the night-time economy and preserve the role of local pubs as social, cultural and economic staples in both towns and villages.
