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The government must revamp a regulatory and tax framework that undermines the future of the beloved British local pub, which serves as a crucial social and economic cornerstone for communities nationwide, according to a report released today by the think tank Localis.
Titled Inn-Valuable 2: Unlocking the Socio-Economic Potential of Our Nation’s Pubs, the report was unveiled at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. It calls on the government to establish a task force aimed at removing barriers threatening the beer and pub industry, which collectively supports over one million jobs, contributes £34.3 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the economy, and generates £11.4 billion in tax revenues for the Exchequer each year.
Polling conducted by YouGov for this report revealed that 72% of respondents view the impact of pubs on community life as positive. Furthermore, when asked about the role of pubs in fostering social connections, over four in five (81%) British adults agreed they are important, while only 14% disagreed.
The survey also found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of British adults believe pubs help alleviate loneliness in their neighborhoods. Among the community-focused initiatives supported by local pubs, 42% were aware of pub events designed to bring people together, 27% knew of pubs that backed charitable causes, and nearly one in five (19%) recognized pubs that assisted vulnerable individuals in their area.
The research highlighted common themes from case studies of pubs across the UK regarding how the sector benefits local residents and communities, including:
- Combating isolation
- Supporting local causes
- Uniting local businesses
- Keeping prices affordable to ensure pubs remain accessible social venues for communities.
Additionally, among individuals who have ever visited a pub, over half (53%) reported having met friends there, nearly two in five (38%) visited to connect with family, a quarter (26%) enjoyed a Sunday lunch, and 11% attended a birthday party hosted at a pub. Moreover, 7% of the public utilized pubs for dating, while 20% watched sporting events there.
A significant recommendation of the report is for immediate support through the extension of business rates relief for the hospitality sector, increasing the duration of this relief to three years in alignment with the spending review period, thereby providing greater certainty for pub owners.
The authors of the report also advocate for the establishment of a government task force dedicated to reversing the decline of the Great British pub. This task force would be responsible for identifying policies to ensure the long-term viability of the sector, including:
- Reviewing business rates and excise duties
- Offering employment incentives to encourage pubs to hire younger staff
- Assessing planning policies to bolster the night-time economy and maintain the role of local pubs as vital social, cultural, and economic hubs in towns and villages.
The chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, Emma McClarkin, 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.”
She continued: “As this research proves, pubs aren’t just about a pint – people know that pubs stave off loneliness, support the vulnerable in their communities, and raise millions for charity.”
