Press release 23rd March 2010

PUBS AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY

Green Party election candidates in Cornwall welcome the Government's recently announced package of reforms to support local pubs - including allowing tied houses to buy local ales rather than tying them to contracts with pub companies, allowing them greater flexibilty to diversify by adding shops and post office services and enabling local communities to purchase their local pub, should it come on the market.

"Local pubs are at the heart of our communities and provide a lot more than a place to have a pint", said Ian Wright, candidate for Truro and Falmouth.  "They are places for people to socialise, to have meetings, to make friends.  They often support other activities, such as cricket teams or charity fund raising".

What is somewhat anomalous about the recent announcement, though, is that the Government has appeared to penalise pubs by raising the prices of beers and wines sold in licensed premises, on the grounds that we have an increasing problem of alcohol abuse in this country, whilst allowing supermarkets to sell strong beers and 'alkopops' extremely cheaply.

"The great thing about a local pub, where the clientele is of mixed age group, is that young people's drinking is informally monitored, "said Roger Creagh-Osborne, candidate for South-East Cornwall.  "Drinking becomes a part of a night out, rather than the main purpose, and there is always someone there to make sure things don't get out of hand".

Pubs which have made improvements or offer extra services are also financially penalised.  In the recent valuation of businesses for business rate up-dates some publicans have seen their rates double.  The assessment is based on what a business might reasonably make, but data was collated before the smoking ban and the recession.

"We need to support and maintain local amenities like pubs, shops and post offices, along with local schools and village halls", added Ian.  "We need to foster and support our communities because they are inherently valuable and to increase our reslience".