Mulholland: PM must appoint pubs minister

Pro-pub MP Greg Mulholland has written to David Cameron asking him to appoint a pubs minister and implement policies to help community pubs.

In his letter, the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group flagged up consumer affairs minister Ed Davey confirming the Government's commitment to reform the beer tie.

"I hope that you will now confirm which other aspects of [then pubs minister] John Healey's plan will be carried forwards over the coming Parliament," the letter says.

Areas include providing greater protection for pubs under threat of demolition and banning sales of pubs with restrictive covenants.

The letter adds: "It is also imperative that the Government ensures that pubs receive the recognition they deserve through the retention of a dedicated minister for pubs."

That minister "could ensure joined-up thinking across Government by bringing together the many departments with responsibility to pubs, including on licensing, planning and competition issues".

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) chief executive Mike Benner said: "CAMRA wholeheartedly supports the appointment of a dedicated pubs minister to look after pubs and consumers' interests across Government.

"We need a pubs minister to deal with issues like beer tax, the beer tie and planning protection for pubs.

"Without this joined-up approach we risk more decisions like last week's to withdraw funding to support community-owned pubs - which should be the very essence of the Big Society."

Benner pointed out that 173 MPs have signed Mulholland's EDM that backs policies to help well-run community pubs.