Boost for pubs as minister pledges ‘restrictive covenants’ review

THE future of closed community pubs has been given a boost after the Government pledged to review the rule on ‘restrictive covenants’.

At present, pubs which have closed are prevented from reopening again as public houses or entertainment venues because of a clause which can be used in the sale of a building that restricts its future use by new owners.

Campaigners such as the Campaign for Real Ale said that these restrictive covenant clauses are used by large companies and corporate chains to limit competition and close local pubs, with no hope of having them reopened.

Communities and planning minister Bob Neill MP said: “The pubs and clubs in our community can be the heart and soul of a town, village or street.

“But too many are being closed down, depriving communities of important places to get together with their neighbours for a quick pint and a catch up.

“For too long now, communities have felt shut out when rules prevent a building being used again as a public house or community club. I want to stop that and put local people in charge.

“By reviewing the use of this restrictive piece of red tape, it is another boost for localism and means that communities could use their collective powers to keep important hubs of community life open.”