Report urges tax breaks for community pubs
24 January 2012 09:44
Pubs which improve the local community should receive tax breaks to help them survive, according to a report by a leading think-tank.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) recommends a 50% business rate relief for those that can prove they act as community hubs, claiming that this would help prevent the loss of more pubs which strengthen local networks.
This recommendation follows a survey commissioned by the IPPR found a majority of people see pubs as the best place to keep up on events within their community.
Rick Muir, associate director at IPPR, said: "Government must stop using a one-size-fits-all approach to licensed premises which is killing off our community pubs. Instead, responsible well-run community pubs should be encouraged and supported.
"Our research shows community pubs aren't just places to drink but also places where people meet their neighbours, where local clubs hold meetings and events, and which support many important local services such as village post offices and general stores."
To qualify to have half of their business rates back, pubs would have to show how they serve local communities by offering such benefits as job opportunities or free space for charities.
The report also suggests the relationship between big pub chains and their tenants should be reformed, and calls for the removal of a legal loophole, which allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), whose research reveals that 16 pubs are closing every week, found that those in suburban areas are the worst affected.
The consumer group said that in two years 1,078 pubs have gone under in Britain's suburbs, with eight closing every week, compared to six in rural areas and two in town high streets.
CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "While high street city centre venues are showing a degree of resistance in the current climate, both suburban and rural areas are under threat as wholesale pub closures deprive more local people of a community centre.
"Pubs are vital for social cohesion and cultural integration, and therefore the Government must act swiftly to repair the damage inflicted upon local communities by offering genuine support for enterprising and hard-working licensees."
The research also found that pubs which are not tied to a particular brewery or pub chain are faring better, with 10 tied pubs closing every week compared to seven which are free of tie.
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "We will be looking at these proposals in detail, but we can certainly agree with some of the key points - the immense social value of pubs, and the pressing need to address the huge increases in beer tax we have seen in recent years.
"Our own figures released today show beer sales in pubs down 3.7% in 2011, which is closely linked to the still worrying level of pub closures. More supportive Government policies would allow pubs to create jobs in local communities and help the economy back to growth.
"We also agree there is certainly a need for the Government to address why regulation and red tape have fallen so heavily on community pubs in recent years - yet more and more alcohol is drunk at home."
Communities Minister Bob Neill said: "This Government is already taking decisive action to support community pubs. We have doubled small business rate relief for two-and-a-half years, which gives up to 100% rate relief for small firms including pubs.
"Country pubs may also be eligible for rural business rate relief. On top of this, we have abolished the last government's cider tax, are cutting red tape on live music in pubs, and are stopping unfair sales of alcohol below cost-price by supermarkets.
"We are also giving local councils new powers to introduce local business rate discounts, which could support pubs which offer community facilities."
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