CAMRA
CAMRA award for 'pub protector'
Tom Copley has been a keen supporter of protecting London pubs from being shut down and being converted into housing.
He will be presented the award on Thursday 8 December at the Golden Lion in Camden, north London.
Losing good pubs
Copley said he was "very delighted" to be nominated this year’s winner for a cause that was "very important" to him.
He told The Morning Advertiser: “Where there is a well-run, profitable pub, the building will always be worth more to a property developer.
“We lose good pubs simply because people want to make a bit more money out of them.”
‘Tougher’ planning policies
Copley said local councils in the capital should have ‘tougher’ planning policies in place to support pubs.
He said: “One pub closing here and there might not seems to be an issue, but when it's happening again and again, you end up having nowhere for people to drink and enjoy themselves.”
He added: “This is something that I will continue to campaign on particularly as the Mayor of London puts together his London Plan.”
The London Assembly is an elected body that scrutinises the actions of the Major of London, currently Sadiq Khan, and has the power to amend strategies and budgets.
A ‘tower of strength’
CAMRA Greater London regional director Geoff Strawbridge said: “With the capital still losing pubs hand over fist, we thought it was time to acknowledge someone who has been active in trying to do something about it.
“Tom has been a tower of strength both in the London Assembly and in local pub campaigns.”
The John Young Memorial Award is named after Young’s brewery chairman John Young CBE who campaigned for community pubs and the importance of real ale.
