The suggestion has been put forward to have the next wave of pubs owned by local communities rather than distant shareholders, according to statements made to government officials. Alistair Strathern, a member of the Labour Party, highlighted this proposal during a visit to the Red Lion pub in Preston, Hitchin, the UK’s inaugural community-owned pub. Originally slated to be transformed into a chain steakhouse, the community intervened, raising funds through individual shares in 1983 to secure ownership.
Since then, the Red Lion has remained under community control and has flourished as a pivotal gathering spot. MP Strathern praised the pub, stating that its rescue through community ownership exemplified a successful local establishment loved by the residents. He emphasized Labour’s commitment to fostering community ownership nationwide to empower local groups in preserving significant venues.
The Community Right to Buy initiative grants priority to community organizations seeking to acquire pubs, preventing private purchases for a year. The ongoing campaign “Your Pub Needs You” by The Mirror advocates for increased support for pubs as essential community hubs. The Co-operative Party asserts that community ownership not only preserves these spaces but also safeguards their future.
Joe Fortune, the General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, emphasized that community ownership breathes life into crucial community spaces amid a backdrop of closures. He highlighted the shift of power and control from distant profit-driven shareholders to local individuals through community ownership. Fortune expressed optimism that removing obstacles to community ownership would pave the way for a more sustainable business model for future generations.
Echoing this sentiment, pub landlord Ray Lambe emphasized the benefits of community ownership, fostering a stronger sense of community spirit among patrons. The approach of “owned by the community, run for the community” is believed to offer a promising vision for the future of pubs nationwide.