Rural pubs get help during Christmas

Money from a new initiative supporting struggling rural pubs is being awarded to landlords across Leicestershire, days after the scheme launched.

Leicestershire County Council is offering a one-off payment of £1,000 to support small village pubs which are unable to open their doors over the festive period.

They say around 100 have already applied - and this week, the first eight pubs are being awarded cash and another 20 being put in the post.

It's aim is to keep people in jobs, maintain the role of the pub as a community hub and help them to diversify by providing extra services for residents.

Councillor Blake Pain, deputy county council leader, said: “Hospitality has been dealt a big blow during the pandemic. And the impact is even more acute when you consider the lifeline pubs can provide within communities. 

“That’s why we’ve moved quickly to bring in support. And I’m delighted that cash is already in the hands of landlords – and more will be awarded over the next few weeks. 

“These remain tough times but we’re committed to supporting our communities and small businesses.”

Michael Cosgrove, owner of the Bluebell in Desford - one of the first pubs to receive £1,000 - said: "Pubs are the beating heart of any rural community, not just at Christmas but all year round. Many pubs have diversified and have continued to help their communities whilst still being shut.

"For the county council to recognise this and help with this gesture, will go a small way to help plug the gap between what support we do need to survive and what we are currently receiving from the government. Pubs are integral to our society and we should be doing the upmost to keep as many as we can operating after this crisis."

It’s hoped that the scheme will support up to 200 community pubs and is backed by major trade body, the British Beer and Pub Association, which represents around 20,000 of the country’s pubs.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to see the speed with which Leicestershire County Council is moving in order to ensure the additional financial support they have offered gets into the hands of the county’s small rural wet led pubs that are unable to open over the festive period. The situation facing pubs is urgent in the extreme, so the pace with which the council is acting is brilliant.

“We are calling on central Government to increase the current grant payments for pubs impacted by the tighter restrictions and now the likely prolonged period of full closure and continued severe trading restrictions in 2021. I am delighted that Leicestershire County Council recognises the vital social and economic role that local pubs play in their local communities and I urge other local authorities to follow suit and Government to take note.”

Pubs need to be in a Leicestershire village able to show how they provide a vital community role.

Find out more and apply by visiting: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/community-pubs