Pubs Minister: pubs are 'Britain's heartbeat'
Community Pubs Minister Bob Neill says he is determined to champion pubs as the heartbeat of Britain's towns and villages.
Neill was writing in the Sunday Express, which has launched a campaign aimed at protecting pubs.
"I know many pubs are finding it hard in these difficult times but I also know it is an industry that's always been full of creativity and initiative, such as the gastro-pub," said Neill.
"I saw this ability to adapt first hand when I recently visited The Shoulder of Mutton in Kirkby Overblow, North Yorkshire. The landlords Kate and David have merged the local shop into the pub, creating a new business.
"Across the country, many communities are stepping in to save their local from closure.
"In Hudswell, Swaledale, villagers have clubbed together to form the Hudswell Community Pubs Initiative. Their local, the George and Dragon, will be combined with a library, a shop and even allotments at the back.
"As a Government, we are committed to removing red tape to allow pubs to operate in more entrepreneurial ways.
"We are introducing a new Right to Buy so that residents will be able to save pubs by taking them over. Pubs are just as important to the economy as they are to the local social scene.
"I urge landlords to take advantage of measures brought in last month, including a business tax discount and a doubling of small business rate relief."
