PUB CLOSURES
The bad news continues. In June the Propel Newsletter reported that, in the first quarter of 2024, 239 pubs were demolished or converted to other uses. These figures were extracted from government statistics by the real estate specialists, the Altus Group. This is a 56% increase on the equivalent quarter in 2023. The total number of pubs in the UK at 31 March, including those on the market to let, was 39,162, compared to 39,401 at 31 December 2023.
PLANNING PLANS
The previous government’s High Street Auctions plan was scheduled to come into effect in September. CAMRA was concerned about this legislation because it might have reduced or by-passed existing pub protection legislation. As expected, it was announced in the King’s Speech (correctly the Gracious Speech) that the new government intends to thoroughly overhaul the planning system. Whether the High Street Auctions scheme will survive is not yet known but the Government’s intention to use ‘grey field’ sites could have implications for pubs, especially large closed rural sites. Further reports will follow.
Although not specifically mentioned in the Speech, the Government is reported to have shown an interest in continuing with the Heritage Pubs Bill, which ran out of time when the general election was called. This may look to extend the right to buy powers available to local groups and help them preserve community assets by giving them powers to intervene in the sale of those assets.
MARTYN’S LAW
Another piece of legislation which fell by the wayside when the election was called was the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena atrocity in 2017. Its reintroduction was included in the King’s Speech. It imposes a duty on those who operate venues open to the public to make proper arrangements to deal with terrorist incidents. They would be expected to have agreed plans for evacuation, ‘invacuation’ (keeping people safe inside a building), lockdown (securing the premises against attack) and communication (making sure that all staff and customers know what is going on). There are no objections in principle from the hospitality industry but there are concerns as to whether the requirements would have a disproportionate effect, especially as regards running costs, on small venues such as village halls. The existing draft excludes premises with a public capacity of below 100 and has a ‘standard tier’ for those with a capacity between 100 and 799. The first version was very short on detail, with the precise requirements intended to be included in secondary legislation. These could involve alterations to premises or the purchase of additional equipment. We wait to see what happens.
MIXED MESSAGES
Readers may recall that the Prince of Wales, as he was then, was instrumental in setting up the Pub is the Hub scheme in 2001. Through its Community Services Fund, the scheme helps mainly rural pubs to diversify to survive, providing both advice and financial help. It has so far helped over 600 pubs. King Charles has recently continued his support with a further donation (amount undisclosed). Here’s a health unto his majesty!
At the same time, in the run up to the election, the processing of grants from the Community Ownership Fund simply stopped, even where the funding had been agreed. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for this. It has caused concern for a number of community groups who were in the process of acquiring their local pubs. They are worried because the delay might lead to those from whom they are purchasing their pub walking away and they will see many years of work wasted. CAMRA is urging the new Secretary of State for Communities to take urgent action.