Community Ownership Gains Support as Pubs Face Closure Threat

Pubs in the UK should be owned by their communities rather than distant shareholders, according to Labour MP Alistair Strathern. He made this assertion during a visit to the Red Lion in Preston, Hitchin, the country’s first community-owned pub. The establishment was nearly transformed into a steakhouse chain before local residents intervened, successfully raising funds through individual shares to purchase the pub in 1983. Since then, it has been under community ownership, serving as a vital social hub.

Strathern emphasized the importance of community ownership while speaking to local residents and pub patrons. “You couldn’t ask for a better example of a cracking local pub than the Red Lion, which has served Preston for centuries,” he stated. “But it was community ownership that saved this pub, and now it is owned and run by the people who love it most.” He further highlighted that the Labour Party is committed to creating a legacy of community ownership nationwide, ensuring local groups have opportunities to own the establishments that are significant to them.

Community Right to Buy Initiative

The Community Right to Buy initiative is designed to give community groups priority when pubs become available for sale, effectively blocking private buyers for a year. Strathern pointed out that this policy will aid in preserving more pubs like the Red Lion, ensuring their future.

The campaign, Your Pub Needs You, launched by The Mirror, has long advocated for enhanced support for pubs, recognizing their role as essential community spaces. The Co-operative Party also supports this initiative, asserting that community ownership not only saves pubs but secures their longevity. Joe Fortune, the General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, noted, “Community ownership keeps important community spaces alive, at a time when so many have closed their doors. Places like the Red Lion have put power and ownership in the hands of local people, rather than distant profit-driven shareholders.”

Strengthening Community Spirit

Local landlord Ray Lambe expressed the benefits of community ownership, stating, “The village owns this pub so they are incentivised to come here, and it’s got a much stronger community spirit because of that.” His remarks underline the positive impact of community engagement on local businesses.

Overall, the case for community-owned pubs is gaining traction, with advocates arguing that such models not only enhance local economies but also strengthen community bonds. As more pubs face the threat of closure, the movement toward community ownership is seen as a viable solution to preserve these cherished spaces for future generations.