All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pubs Report Released

Within the House of Commons there are various small groups of MPs with a particular interest in certain sections of the economy or social fabric of the country one such group is All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pubs (Pubs APPG), there objective is to “To promote and campaign for the interests of pubs, landlords, and the communities around these pubs”

Recently they have been taking evidence from the pub sector and working with CAMRA so as to try to evaluate the impact of the pandemic upon it and therefore speak with more authority on the matter when discussing with Ministers or speaking in the House of Commons.

They have now released their report on their findings which can be found here https://apppg.camra.org.uk/inquiry/ . The report is not an official publication of the House of Commons.

The report takes in to account analysis of the 15,000 responses received, and an oral evidence session was then held on July 15.

The full report is worth a read as it looks not only at the issues caused by the pandemic, but also the opportunities to create a flourishing pub sector – with the attendant economic and social benefits this would entail.

It considers the following headings:

• The impact of the pandemic
• The future of the trade
• Recommendations

Recommendations made are as follows:-

General

Extend the duration of the reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, and include all drinks to ensure that wet-led pubs can also benefit from this measure.

Reform the business rates regime to reduce the disproportionate burden faced by pubs due to the use of Fair Maintainable Trade.

Revise the existing ‘Pay as you Grow’ scheme for Bounce Back Loans to ensure repayments are reflective of pub income.

On rent calculation- Publish the details of the arbitration system as a priority and ensure licensees have a clear understanding of their rights.

The Pubs Code

Provide additional resources to the office of the PCA, in order to facilitate further direct engagement with tenants, and the provision of information to those using their rights under the Code.

Amend legislation to improve interaction between the Pubs Code and the Landlord and Tenant Act.

Direct investment

Build on existing training schemes, work with trade associations to promote careers within the sector, and support pubs in paying a living wage.

Invest in facilitating better collaboration between pubs and providers of both digital tools and internet access.

Create a Pubs Minister, to sit between BEIS and MHCLG, whose portfolio would ensure a coordinated approach to relevant legislation.

Launch a consumer confidence campaign to encourage pub going.