Stronger planning protections for pubs in England

The Government announced better planning protections for pubs, after considering watering down existing protections that would protect only the last pub in an area. Thanks to the thousands of you that used our e-lobby to email your MP and our discussions with civil servants and MPs, the Government listened. A stronger planning system stops valued pubs from being lost to their communities and gives people a better chance at saving their local.

Independent business rates review

Last week, an independent review of how pubs are valued for business rates in England and Wales was announced by the Government, another promising step after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut in bills for pubs in England last month. It’s a great start to his tenure, but we’re waiting for the finer details at the Budget.

On 9 June we presented the award for Croydon Borough Pub of the Year to the Dark Horse, Selhurst. Emma, one of the owners of the pub, is holding the certificate. She was accompanied by her colleagues Harvey (wearing the Dark Horse mask!) and Aidan. Photo: Bob Bone

Congratulations to The Dark Horse, Selhurst and to The Hope, Carshalton for winning the branch Pub of the Year competition in Croydon borough, and Sutton borough respectively. The dates of the presentations are: Hope - Thursday 28 May and Dark Horse - Tuesday 9 June. The Dark Horse will proceed to the Regional round.