Community Pubs Month: Pubs minister Brandon Lewis calls on punters to back CAMRA List your Local campaign
CAMRA has officially launched the campaign to put 300 pubs on a special list to prove they are a community asset. Listing a pub as an 'asset of community value' means that if the pub was to go up for sale, a community group would have six months to find the money to put a bid into buy it.
The call comes in the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Community Pubs Month and as the regulars of the Ivy House in Nunhead saved their local pub from closure.
Community Pubs Minster Brandon Lewis said: “Community pubs month is off to a Stella start - our Community Right to Bid has saved its first ever pub - the Ivy House - great news for punters in Nunhead and it comes hot on the heels of Government taking a penny off a pint and calling time on that unpopular beer tax.
“We are determined to see more communities across the country follow in the Ivy House’s footsteps so we are working with CAMRA to encourage people to list their local as a way to safeguard the future of their favourite pub using their new community right. We’ve also extended the tax breaks for small firms like community pubs for another tax year.
“So there are lots of reasons to get by the bar and raise a glass to your best loved local this month. Cheers!”
CAMRA's chief executive Mike Benner said: "The incredible success of the Ivy House campaign has demonstrated how effective these new powers can be in protecting threatened pubs. This tireless campaign goes to show that pubs are more than just businesses, they are at the very heart of local communities and are valued by local people.
“Research commissioned by CAMRA found that three-quarters of pub-goers believe a well-run community pub is as important to community life as a post office, local shop or community centre, and CAMRA is delighted that the Government has recognised this and empowered communities to protect their pubs.
"We urge beer drinkers and pub goers to get behind the List your Local campaign during Community Pubs Month."
For anyone wanting to use twitter go to #listyourlocal
