Councils recognise pubs' plight

Councils are not pushing for higher licence fees because they recognise the strain pubs are under, says the new chairman of local government co-ordinator LACORS.

Paul Bettison's comment counters fears that cash-strapped town halls would appeal to Government to increase licence fees to plug gaps in their budgets.

He also called on local authorities to think of "clever ways" to help pubs.

Bettison, an influential lobbyist on behalf of councils, said it would be a "very short-term view" for authorities to argue for higher fees, while the trade is under "significant pressure".

"When budgets are stretched people look for all sorts of ways to increase income. Local authorities are no exception. I certainly hope local authorities will be responsible with regard to pub licensees and fees.

"In fairness, I haven't heard [calls to argue for fee increases] from within councils.

"I don't think most councils would regard the licensed trade as a soft touch because they don't have to look hard to find a pub struggling or out of business."

The Government has still not ruled on the new level of licence fees, almost three years after the Elton Report on local government finance urged a 7% hike.

Bettison, who has a personal connection with the licensed trade because his wife runs an Indian restaurant, said there's "sympathy" among councils for the plight of pubs.

But added: "Whether that can be turned into something tangible in terms of rate relief, I don't know.

"I do think there's a very good rationale for finding clever ways of keeping the village pub open.

"If we lose the village pub, we have lost its heart.

"There are few sadder scenes than a boarded-up public house."