Conference Supporting British Pubs coming soon
6th December 2018
Decades of decline have rendered pub closures the norm across Britain. The number of pubs in the UK decreased by 10,500 or by 17% between 2000 and 2016 (BBPA, 2017). Throughout the second half of 2017, 463 British pubs closed their doors (Camra, 2017). In the first six months of 2018 the number of closures increased by 13 to 476. Post-recession consumer trends, including falling alcohol consumption and increased reliance on cheap, shop-bought drink, have worked to consolidate the insecurity experienced by Britain’s pubs.
The Government has developed a number of strategies to alleviate existing pressures. In 2016, the landmark Statutory Pubs Code was introduced, establishing a number of new protections for tenants. Tied tenants are now able to request Market Rent Only (MRO) agreements from their landlords, providing them with a new opportunity to weigh up the costs of operating independently and potentially circumvent inflated beer prices. In February 2018, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government extended its £3.85 million ‘More Than a Pub’ programme for an additional year. The initiative provides critical support, advice and funding to local communities who want to take ownership of their ‘local’. The Government also introduced business rate relief for those pubs with rateable value of less than £100,000.
Despite robust government action and sustained campaigning, numerous factors continue to stifle growth in the sector, threatening the long-term viability and wellbeing of many local pubs. The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) warns that pubs face a ‘Triple Tax Whammy’ under which a concoction of exorbitant beer duties, VAT and increasing business rates threaten pubs’ survival. Two years since the establishment of the PCA, a 2018 government survey has shown that, ‘more than half the tenants who had experienced a MRO event believed they did not have a genuine choice between a tied and free of tie option’, raising questions over the efficacy of government reforms (PCA, 2018). Heineken’s recent acquisition of 1,900 former Punch Tavern pubs has also generated fresh concerns over adequate competition in the sector. Finally, as the potential for a ‘no-deal Brexit’ looms, questions over potential staff shortages have only contributed to pubs’ fears.
Two years since the creation of the Statutory Pubs Code and in light of the recent extension of the ‘More Than a Pub’ programme, this symposium represents a timely opportunity for publicans, pub companies, local authorities and relevant trade bodies to assess the Government’s efforts to mitigate the decline of British pubs. This conference will also enable a diverse pool of stakeholders to share relevant best practices to formulate and deliver effective local strategies to protect their ‘local’.
Delegates Will:
- Review the efficacy of major Government initiatives to safeguard British pubs and analyse their effects on local communities.
- Evaluate the Statutory Pubs Code and the success of the Pubs Code Adjudicator in creating and enforcing sufficient tenant rights and protections.
- Develop a strong understanding of how communities may utilise ‘Assets of Community Value’ status to protect local pubs from closure.
- Identify funding opportunities and sources through which local communities may secure ownership of local pubs.
- Consider the effects of revised business rates, beer duty and VAT on pubs’ operating costs and the potential implications for enhanced profitability.
- Consider the need for a new government inquiry to assess competition in the pubs sector.
- Develop collaborative strategies by which stakeholders and industry leaders may campaign on behalf of pubs effectively.
- Consider the evolving implications of Brexit on the British pubs sector and develop effective means of promoting staff retention.
- Share best practices on how local pubs may bolster their public profile and generate increased custom.
- Promote methods through which pubs can responsibly engage with isolated and lonely people.
To view our brochure, including the full event programme, click here.
There is an early registration discount of 20% off the standard delegate rates (subject to type of organisation and terms and conditions) for bookings received by the 11th of January 2019. Do feel free to circulate this information to relevant colleagues within your organisation.