The government unveiled its latest ideas to save Britain's rural pubs today, with promises of extra funding and an easing up of planning rules,reports Politics. Nearly 40 pubs are closing each week, resulting in job losses and millions of pounds lost to the economy, campaigners say. Many rural activists are also concerned the decline of the local pub will drive local communities further apart by taking away what is often the hub of local activity.
The government pledges include £3.3 million for business support to make pubs more successful and help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running today.
"Today's measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times," said pubs minister John Healey.
"They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together."
A consultation is underway on proposals to cut the requirement for music licences in certain venues.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the local community to have their say, government sources said.
Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be banned and planning laws reformed so pubs can branch out their business without planning permission into new commercial ventures, like restaurants or gift shops.
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