More than half of voters think pub closures are gov’s fault

A poll by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common found that 58 per cent of people in the South East blame either national or local government when a pub shuts down.

The findings have sparked warnings from campaigners that politicians must prioritise the sector ahead of the local elections.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in the South East, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.

“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”

One third of respondents said fairer business rates would be the most impactful way to support pubs.

However, fewer than one in 10 said their MP had spoken up for the sector, and just four per cent believed their MP was doing enough to protect pubs.

The research follows January’s Budget U-turn for pubs.

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.

“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.

“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”