The push for the future of pubs to be in the hands of communities rather than distant shareholders has gained traction among ministers. During a recent visit to the Red Lion in Preston, Hitchin, Labour MP Alistair Strathern highlighted the success story of the UK’s first community-owned pub. Originally facing conversion into a steakhouse chain, the community rallied together in 1983, purchasing individual shares to secure ownership and prevent the sale.
Since then, the Red Lion has flourished as a hub for the local community. MP Strathern praised the pub’s transition to community ownership, emphasizing the value of local involvement. He expressed Labour’s commitment to promoting community ownership nationwide, ensuring that cherished establishments remain in the hands of those who hold them dear.
Under the Community Right to Buy initiative, community groups are given priority in purchasing pubs when they come up for sale, restricting private buyers for a year. This move aligns with The Mirror’s Your Pub Needs You campaign, advocating for enhanced support for pubs as essential community spaces.
The Co-operative Party also champions community ownership as a means of safeguarding pubs for future generations. General Secretary Joe Fortune emphasized the role of community ownership in preserving crucial community spaces and empowering local residents over profit-focused shareholders. Encouraging the removal of barriers to community ownership, Fortune envisioned a future where pubs are owned and operated by the community, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and unity.
Reflecting on the positive impact of community ownership, landlord Ray Lambe underscored the village’s collective ownership of the pub, fostering a vibrant community spirit and encouraging greater community engagement.