£multi-million rescue for struggling pubs

Communities will get help to buy their local pubs in a bid to halt the four closures a year across the Borough.

Red tape will also be cut and business support offered to help struggling local inns diversify by adding shops and post offices on site.

The Government is also moving to reduce the impact of beer ties, which force landlords to buy their stock from a small number of large pub companies at higher prices and makes it harder for them to remain competitive.

The plans have been drawn up by Licensing Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Pubs Minister John Healey after campaigners called on the Government to stem the tide of closures across the UK. 

The Government has admitted that the smoking ban has contributed to the closure of pubs, but says the economic downturn, changing social habits and rising costs have also played a role.

It has set up a £3.3million pot to fund business support and provide funding to match the cash residents raise for community buy-outs.

Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished to give locals a chance to come up with a plan to save the business.

Other measures, such as loosening music licence requirements and ploughing £1 million in to the advice service Pub is the Hub‚ to allow it to provide specialist advice on business support and diversification, are also part of the package.

Mr Healey said: “This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice. We need and can do more to support our pubs which can be at the heart of a local community

“The 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.

“It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “There are some interesting and positive ideas in these proposals that will benefit community pubs.

“We very much welcome the announcements and support for Pub is The Hub and proposed changes to planning to make it easier for pubs to diversify.