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. Must try harder: do the Holyrood 2026 manifestos meet our tests?

  2. An energy smart meter sits on a countertop. It reads electricity: £61.71, gas: £148

    Flex factor: How government can keep network costs on bills down

    Government must strike a better balance between bringing down energy bills now and building a system fit for the future.

  3. Acceleration is not a strategy: A framework for directing AI towards public value before it's too late

    The politics of artificial intelligence is set to drastically change in 2026 as recent technical breakthroughs get implemented across the economy.