BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds has welcomed a new report today from the Mayor of London, on how to foster London’s Night Time economy, with a vision for a 24-hour city.
Brigid Simmonds comments:
“This is a welcome report, which not only acknowledges the importance of London’s night-time economy, but the key role that pubs play. In London, our pubs and breweries support around 90,000 jobs and add £3.5 billion to the capital’s economy, each year.
“There is welcome support for the ‘agent of change’ principle, to ensure that pubs are not closed down by new housing developments, where residents can complain about noise from pubs which have been there for hundreds of years.
“However, we don’t support the use of ‘Article 4’ directions, which can damage a pub’s ability to make even modest improvements to the property. Pubs have planning protection, following recent legislative changes, and I will be raising this again the Mayor.
“Equally, assets of community value designation, which we support in principle, are not always the answer to protect struggling pubs, especially if ACVs are overused.
“The strong emphasis on partnership working is to be welcomed, as is the Commitment to investment, innovation, promoting London as a global destination and developing skills. There is also a recognition that business rates are a particular problem in London.
“We look forward to working with the Mayor and the Night Czar on ideas that help pubs to thrive, given their key role in the night-time economy.”