Pubs and places: The social value of community pubs (2nd ed, 2012)

Article

Community pubs are one of Britain's oldest and most popular social institutions. However, they are currently under pressure, with 16 pubs closing every week. This report assesses the social value of community pubs, showing why pubs matter, and why we should be concerned about the current state of the pub trade.

Crucially, pubs are more than just private businesses selling alcohol. Many pubs also play an important role at the heart of their local communities. Pubs provide meeting places, supporting formal and informal social networks, and a focal point for community events. They also play a key role in supporting local economies, and in providing residents and visitors with access to information and services.

This report uses a 'social return on investment' methodology to measure the wider social value generated by a sample of community pubs, and finds that this ranges from around £20,000 to £120,000 per pub.

Related items

  1. The sign for the Ministry of Defence by the building's main entrance

    Joining forces: A better strategy for defence spending with allies

    Andy Burnham has made the case that national security and rebuilding Britain’s hard power will be priorities for his government. 
  2. Adults standing in a circle and talking to each other about their mental wellbeing. There is a staff member sitting to the left of them in the frame sitting next to a table. The community centre is located in Seaton Deleval in the North East of England.

    What is the left for?: The case for a politics of reciprocism

    Liberal democratic capitalism has failed to give many people good lives, and the future looks less promising than the past. 

  3. Wildfires and climate change | Dave Hawkey from IPPR Scotland speaks to Lewis Goodall on LBC

    Europe’s heatwaves and the wildfires in the Cairngorms are a stark reminder that climate extremes are here.  The Scottish government must act now with a clear plan to prepare for what's coming.