Pubs urged to respond to government survey on support for the sector

The All-Party Parliamentary Pub Group (Pubs APPG) is launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on pubs and people and is looking to hear from the sector on how the government can support pubs and landlords in the future.

The group is seeking views from landlords, staff and pub-goers about the effects of lockdowns, tier restrictions and support packages as well as pubs' prospects for the future and the human impact on licensees, bar staff and consumers.

Evidence can be submitted on the Pubs APPG website and will be used by MPs to produce recommendations to the government about what action needs to be taken to help pubs survive ongoing restrictions in the coming weeks and months, as well as longer-term measures to support the industry.

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Pubs Group Charlotte Nichols said: "It's been over a year since pubs first closed to help stop the spread of Covid-19. We know that the pandemic has had a massive effect on the people who run pubs and the communities around them.

"The Pubs APPG wants to listen to the people who have made pubs the heart of so many communities. We hope that everyone, from licensees who run a small village pub to national trade organisations, will get involved and make their voices heard."

Nik Antona, chair of the Campaign for Real Ale, which is supporting the All Party Parliamentary Pub Group's inquiry, said: "Camra believes that pubs play a vital role in tackling loneliness and social isolation – and we want to play our part in ensuring that pubs can survive the pandemic and thrive in the future.

"I would urge anyone who cares about pubs to take part in the Pubs APPG inquiry and share their views on the impact of the pandemic on pubs and what the government should do to help them thrive in the future."

Photo: Shutterstock