Today in Parliament a range of MPs from across the parties attended an event to raise awareness of a report from the think tank Localis, commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association, on the economic and social value of pubs to their communities.
The report, called ‘Inn-Valuable: Unlocking The Socio-Economic Potential Of Our Nation’s Pubs‘ outlines examples of a number of pubs that provide services in their community beyond their economic function, as well as a range of polling that shows strong public support for pubs and a recognition of their expanded role in communities.
Some of the key findings of the report’s polling are:
- 81% of people say pubs are important in bringing people together
- 68% of British adults think pubs help combat loneliness in their local area
- 75% of British adults feel pubs have positive effect in communities
The report makes a number of policy recommendations for the pub sector, including:
- A cross-government taskforce on the future of the British pub so that the sector benefits from the best fiscal regime and regulatory framework.
- Emergency fund for energy bill support. Government should establish a fund to provide energy bill support for pubs in deprived areas.
- The Government must ensure all pubs have access to fair and reasonable energy contracts.
- Business rates rebates for diversifying pubs. Government should fund local authorities to provide partial business rebates for pubs which diversify to take on socially valuable roles, such as those providing ‘warm spaces or food banks.
- A new, revamped Minster for Pubs role with cross-departmental remit. The role of Minister for Pubs, last appointed in 2017, should be reinstated and given a brief to work across departments to promote the British beer and pub sector to ensure it not only survives but thrives.
A number of MPs spoke in support of the report at the event, including Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Beer and for Pubs, Alun Cairns and Charlotte Nichols respectively, as well as Minister for Enterprise and Markets Kevin Hollinrake and Shadow Levelling Up Minister Baroness Taylor.
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Enterprise and Markets:
“We are keen to make any changes to the regulatory framework easier for pubs to operate and welcome the report as a contribution to policy debates on the beer and pub sector.”
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Shadow Levelling Up Minister said:
“The economic case for pubs is very strong, and as they diversify they are now becoming community hubs as they help with combatting isolation and supporting local causes. Pubs at the heart of their communities are reflecting local culture – and that is only something that pubs can do.”
Alun Cairns MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group said:
“It is clear from this report pubs provide far more than just food and drink for the communities they serve, both in the Vale of Glamorgan and across the UK more widely. As MPs we all have a responsibility to recognise that, as the public recognises it, and support the beer and pub sector in continuing to deliver major social and economic value to every city, town, and village in the country.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:
“It was great to speak to Minister Hollinrake and a number of MPs in Parliament about the findings of this report, and the huge socio-economic impact pubs make in serving their communities. Pubs across the UK are the community hub and heart of the high street. I hope this report underlines the need for Government to create a policy framework that allows these pubs and their communities to thrive. If any Government wants to create growth in our nation’s towns and villages, they should support our pubs to deliver for local economies and communities. We would all feel the value and benefit of that investment.”
For more information or to arrange an interview contact [email protected] / 020 7627 9199
Notes to editors:
- The full report from Localis is available here: https://www.localis.org.uk/research/inn-valuable/
About the British Beer & Pub Association
The BBPA represents businesses which between them brew over 90% of the beer sold in the UK and own 20,000 pubs.
Our members include international companies, national and local brewers and pub businesses operating managed and tenanted pubs in cities, towns and villages across the country.
These businesses are at the heart of communities and local economies and include family businesses who have been brewing beer and running pubs for hundreds of years alongside emerging brewers and pub operators.
The UK’s beer and pub industry supports close to 940,000 jobs.
The industry adds £26.2billion to the UK’s economy each year.
