Anne Main: MP champions local pubs
Press Release :
24 February 2010
During a debate on the future of the British Pub yesterday, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, called upon the Government to recognise the role of well run community pubs.
During the debate, Anne said:
“Some people dispute this, but St. Albans apparently has the most pubs per square mile of any place in England, and pubs are part of the historic street scene. Anybody who has been to St. Albans will have seen the historic pubs, and there can even be two or three in one short road. Those pubs traditionally supported people on the many pilgrimages to St. Albans, so they go back a long way.
“The smaller pubs are finding life hard. The bigger pubs, which can bring in the clubbers and people interested in the dance scene, are not struggling so much and they have benefited from extended licensing. However, the smaller pubs, where people go for a quiet drink and to chew the fat or to debate the issues that my hon. Friend raised, have been struggling.
Anne continued:
“I pay tribute to pubs for the fact that they are not only the heart of the community, but put things back. I have regularly done the prize draw with Cilla in the Three Hammers pub, and all the funds raised go to our local hospice. Pubs are not just drinking dens. Every time a VAT rise goes on to the price of a pint of beer, the assumption is that it will be on the pint in the pub.”
Upon leaving the chamber, Anne said:
“St Albans is famous for its historic pubs, so it was great to have a chance to speak up for our local pubs in Parliament. However, it is important to recognise that that even our historic inns are subject to the same economic pressures as any other business.
This is why this debate was so important, as a chance for backbenchers to press the Government on what it is doing to help the community pub, and local publicans, who are struggling more than ever.
I hope this debate gave the Government a lot to think about. It is essential that we take action if we are to ensure that the local pub remains at the heart of our community.”
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