The chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association has written to the new high streets minister calling for pubs to be recognised under the Government’s high street regeneration plans.
Brigid Simmonds’ letter to Brandon Lewis urged the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) to finally acknowledge the value of pubs and include them in proposals to breathe life into high streets.
Simmonds said she was “confident” the importance of pubs would now be recognised given that Lewis still holds the role of community pubs minister.
Her comments follow a report last week that highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives in reviving town centres.
The Association of Town & City Management showcased the work of seven towns benefiting from the Government’s £1m High Street Renewal Award. New markets, shop openings and lower parking charges were highlighted in the publication, but pubs were not.
Simmonds said: “The night-time economy has to be an important part of the regeneration of the high street. Where you don’t have a decent night-time economy, people become frightened to walk [around] and the vitality goes out of high streets.
“Brandon knows the value of pubs. Let’s ensure we get more joined-up thinking — pubs and leisure in the high street are part of the mix.”
- High Street guru Bill Grimsey is speaking at the Pub Retail Summit on 14 November. To book a place visit www.ukpubretailsummit.co.uk
