THE Government must act to protect community pubs, according to a new report.

With the UK losing 16 pubs a week, the report from the think tank IPPR warns that more will be forced to close unless action is taken now.

The report, published alongside research from the Campaign for Real Ale, calls for a radical change in Government policy as well as changes to the way the pub trade operates.

It argues that the Government should reward and incentivise pubs that play a positive role in their local community.

The report said that current government policies on pubs contained two major flaws – being too indiscriminate and failing to recognise the community value of local pubs.

It said: “All licensed premises have to carry the burden of regulation and increased taxation, but smaller community pubs that cause so few problems of crime and disorder are least able to take on these additional costs.

“Policy fails to recognise the important community functions that many pubs perform.

“They are more than just businesses and pub closures can have a serious impact on the quality of local community life.”

The report measured the social value – as opposed to just the economic value – generated by a number of community pubs across the country, finding that these pubs generated between £20,000 and £120,000 of “social value” each year for their local communities.

IPPR report says that pub closures have a serious impact on community life because of the role pubs play in strengthening local social networks as well as facilitating many local services, events and activities which contribute to local life.

These can include hosting a range of important public services such as running post office and general stores and providing a place for local charities, sports clubs and civic groups to host meetings and activities.

IPPR associate director Rick Muir said: “Government must stop using a ‘one size fits all’ approach to licensed premises which is killing off our community pubs. Instead responsible well-run community pubs should be encouraged and supported.

“Our research shows community pubs aren’t just places to drink, but also places where people meet their neighbours; where local clubs hold meetings and events; and which support many important local services such as village post offices and general stores.”