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.

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