In a recent statement to ministers, the emphasis was placed on community ownership of the next wave of pubs rather than them being controlled by distant shareholders. Labour MP Alistair Strathern highlighted this notion during a visit to the Red Lion pub in Preston, Hitchin, the UK’s pioneer community-owned pub. The pub was initially slated for conversion into a steakhouse chain, but the community intervened, raising funds through individual shares from its members in 1983 to purchase it.
Since then, the Red Lion has remained under community management and has thrived as a significant communal hub. Mr. Strathern commended the pub, stating that it stands as a prime example of a beloved local establishment that has served Preston for many years. He stressed the importance of community ownership in rescuing and currently operating the pub.
Addressing the broader perspective, Mr. Strathern mentioned Labour’s commitment to fostering community ownership nationwide to empower local groups to possess and manage their cherished venues. He highlighted the Community Right to Buy initiative, which grants priority to community entities when pubs are available for purchase, restricting private buyers for a year.
The ongoing “Your Pub Needs You” campaign by The Mirror has been advocating for stronger support for pubs as vital community spaces. The Co-operative Party also supports community ownership as a means to safeguard these establishments for the future. According to Co-operative Party General Secretary Joe Fortune, community ownership revitalizes vital community spaces and shifts control from profit-driven shareholders to local residents.
By removing barriers to community ownership, a new era of business practices can be unlocked, where pubs are owned and operated by the community for the community, creating a more sustainable model. Local landlord Ray Lambe highlighted the positive impact of community ownership at the Red Lion, emphasizing the increased community engagement and spirit fostered by the collective ownership structure.