Don't call time on local papers

Media body's pub licences plea | Notices 'must remain in print'.

- OWEN MEREDITH

A SHAKE-UP of pub licences to help struggling boozers could cause a painful hangover for local newspapers, a body of news groups is warning.

The News Media Association says one recommendation among other sensible ones, such as later licensing hours, could irretrievably damage local news publishers.

Here its chief executive Owen Meredith argues why the requirement for licensing application notices to appear in local papers must stay...

THE brilliant backing by the Mirror to secure support for our pubs is a shining example of the power of news media to campaign for our important community institutions.

From the Covid lockdowns, the hikes in business rates and changing consumer behaviours pubs and licensed premises have been hit hard in recent years.

I have been a first-hand witness to the sad decline or closure of far too many, so I am genuinely thrilled the government has recognised the need for action to support these institutions.

Whether it is catching up with friends over a pint, watching the highs and lows of the nation's sports teams, or enjoying a Sunday roast after a busy week - we all know just how vital these establishments are to the soul of our communities.

Like pubs, local newspapers are facing an uphill battle to survive and continue serving their communities - and the two go hand in hand.