CAMRA:10 reasons why licensees shouldn't fear an ACV listing

Here, CAMRA lists the top ten reasons it thinks an ACV letter dropping through the door is a cause for celebration and not fear for licensees. 

Despite the doomsaying, the initial delay on development or sale of an ACV listed pub is just six weeks - that's much shorter than the time it usually takes for solicitors to complete a sale and all legal and financial processes can continue throughout the moratorium period. The moratorium period only extends to six months if a community group expresses a wish to buy the pub - and that sale can take place within those six months.

1. Despite the doomsaying, the initial delay on development or sale of an ACV listed pub is just six weeks - that's much shorter than the time it usually takes for solicitors to complete a sale and all legal and financial processes can continue throughout the moratorium period. The moratorium period only extends to six months if a community group expresses a wish to buy the pub - and that sale can take place within those six months.

2. Pubs sold as going concerns are not subject to the moratorium, so there is no delay in cases where the purchaser fully intends to keep the pub open.

3. An ACV listing can be considered as a quality accreditation which confirms your pub is valued by the local people and a part of community life. This can be used to promote the pub when selling it as a going concern, or with the right marketing, increase trade.

4. If you are selling your pub, an ACV listing gives you access to a group of people who value your pub and may consider buying it - with no agents fees.

5. If you are a tenant of a pub company then ACV status can prevent your pub being sold to a property developer without you being informed - and give you the opportunity to bid for the pub yourself.

6. Getting listed as an ACV often starts a conversation between the licensee and the community groups who listed the pub - which could lead to working together to increase business.

7. An ACV listing can be used as evidence that the pub is valued and supported by the local community, which may help when licensees are applying to alter licensing hours or applying for planning permission to extend to increase viability.

8. CAMRA is campaigning for ACV listed pubs to be given enhanced support by councils and Government - including pushing for the extension of business rate relief for ACV listed pubs.

9. Getting listed as an ACV pub gives you a great story to secure valuable positive publicity in local media - as well as getting mentioned in CAMRA publications.

10. CAMRA will be supporting ACV listed pubs with a welcome pack for pubs awarded ACV status, along with a window sticker to advertise how valued they are to the community.