19/03/2010

Help For Ailing UK Pubs

A 12 point £4m action plan to give practical support to pubs up and down the UK has been unveiled by the Government.

Nearly 40 public houses are closing each week, resulting in job losses and millions of pounds lost to the economy.

Pubs Minister John Healey was tasked by the Prime Minister earlier this year to look at how government intervention can help community pubs, as businesses struggle in tough economic circumstances.

New help will include £3.3 million for business support to make pubs more successful and help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running.

Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the local community to have their say.

Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be also banned.

The planning laws will allow pubs to branch out their business without planning permission into new commercial ventures, ranging from restaurants to gift shops and books shops, without the additional expense and time of seeking approval from the council.

The measures will give landlords the opportunity to have direct access to specialist, tailored business advice through ‘Pub is the Hub’, currently a voluntary support service for community pubs.

Government funding of over £1m will ensure that the group act as a specialist first-stop shop for advice on business support and diversification.

Mr Healey said this package of "tough, practical measures" aims to put some real support behind our community pubs.

"Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out," he said.

(PR)

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