Martin backs local pubs

9.15.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Apr 2009

In a Westminster debate yesterday, Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood backed a series of measures to stop the loss of local pubs. Martin told the listening minister about the threatened Greyhound Inn in Hewlett Road and quoted Simon Daws, landlord of The Royal Oak in Prestbury, who has criticised the 'tie' between pubs and the so-called PubCos.

Martin called for reform of planning law to prevent the situation facing the Greyhound, where Cheltenham Borough Council's planning committee unanimously refused permission for the pub to be turned into flats, only for a government inspector to overturn the decision after a fleeting visit. He also supported Simon Daws' call for reform of the 'tie' so that landlords would be free to offer a limited range of drinks free of the PubCos' control.

Martin said 'If this situation carries on, we could easily wake up one day and find half our best community pubs gone. That would tear the heart out of many local neighbourhoods. We need to reform planning law to stop pubs like the Greyhound closing and reform the 'tie' so that many other pubs don't join it. I think Simon Daws has made a sensible and intelligent proposal that would offer more choice to customers, a better deal for landlords and a safer future for many local pubs.'