Use the pubs to help communities level up, think tank urges

The nation’s pubs could play a key role in the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda for economic and social renewal, according to a new report.

A new report by the think tank Localis claims pubs are ‘a key part of the foundational economy in our cities and towns’

It adds that pubs support 884,860 jobs across the UK, £12.1bn of wages, and £23.4bn of GVA across the country and form a ‘vital part of social infrastructure in place and are anchors that tie the community together’, particularly in rural towns and villages.

The report argues that an end to all current restrictions must end on 21 June to all pubs to return to viable trading.

It also calls on the Treasury to further reduce the tax burden on the pub sector to aid the recovery and recommends local councils issue license fee refunds – paid for by the Treasury – for the six months to June 2021.

Additionally, where premises have been put to new community purposes during the pandemic, it argues councils should offer a diversification grant to pubs looking to retain or expand the services they provided during lockdown.

‘The case for treating Britain’s pubs with fair consideration in exiting lockdown measures is, at core, as simple as it is heartfelt. Where there’s a pub, there’s a community,’ said Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran.

‘As one of the biggest contributors to the UK economy, the sector has a vital role to play in the recovery and levelling up journey of the country as well as in maintaining community cohesion and social resilience well beyond the pandemic.’

The chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, Emma McClarkin added: ‘The pandemic has fractured our communities’ economic environment and frayed our social ties.

‘The pub is a powerful embodiment and symbol of both, woven into the fabric of our society and it is one we need to support and strengthen as we rebuild our trade as well as reconnect our communities.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay