Inn-valuable...lifeline pubs 'need tax cut tonic'

Last orders fears unless help is given to 'beating heart of communities'

- Sarah O'Grady

BRITISH pubs are the "beating hearts" of communities and are run by "hero" landlords and landladies, according to a report.

But campaigners say they must get more financial support otherwise last orders will sound for the trade.

They are calling for a Minister of Pubs to be reinstated and for tax breaks and specialised assistance for an industry that employs 936,000 staff, generates £28billion and delivers £15billion in taxes every year.

Heroes

John Longden, chief executive of Pub is The Hub, said: "Pubs and publicans are the heroes at the heart of community life that provide essential services and activities that create social value.

"They are a lifeline for many rural areas, providing vital services and activities such as village stores, allotments and community cafes as well as offering a safe space to tackle the major societal issue of loneliness. Pub is The Hub now estimates 1,000 more pubs and local areas could benefit from services if they can be directly supported."

However, hostelries are shutting down at a rate of two every day across England and Wales with the number of closures surging by 50% in three months, according to official figures.