First minister for pubs appointed in UK

The government has appointed the UK’s first minister for pubs to help address the numerous escalating pressures facing the nation’s on-trade.

Former housing and planning minister John Healey has taken up the post, with the move being described as “great news” by the British Beer & Pub Association.

Healey is to head a taskforce of 5 ministers who will draw up plans to help pubs survive against a backdrop of rising taxes and declining custom.

Healey is believed to be considering tax breaks and giving tenants the right to buy pubs from landlords and breweries if they are threatened with closure.

He will also review existing planning laws to make it more difficult to demolish long-established pubs to make way for other buildings, such as office blocks.

Another aim is to make the country’s 53,000 pubs greater community centres in the villages and neighbourhoods they serve.

Healey said: “Pubs are often at the heart of community life, and they are important meeting places for many people.

“While we can’t stop every pub from closing it’s right we do everything possible to back them.

“But they need help now so I am determined to have a deal on the table with a package of practical help in the next few weeks.”

The BBPA hailed the decision as a sign that its campaigns Axe the Tax and I’m Backing the Pub have had an impact in the corridors of power in Westminster.

Mark Hastings, BBPA director of communications, said: “This is a clear sign of the strong public desire to see British pubs supported and the success of our campaign over the last year.

“We hope this means that pubs will now have a strategic place in government policy making, and we are pleased that the agenda echoes so many of the priorities we have identified.  
 
“We couldn’t wish for a better minister than John Healey as the voice for pubs within government, and look forward to a positive, frank and constructive relationship with him in order to support this great British institution that is so important to the social and economic life of local communities.”

A record 2,365 pubs closed their doors last year and the industry fears many more will follow. At present 39 pubs are closing a week.

Last year, pub closures cost the Treasury £250 million in lost tax revenue.

Rupert Millar, 08.02.10