Walsall Council is to debate how to stop the decline of the community pub when it meets on Monday 14th September thanks to a proposal being put forward by Liberal Democrat councillors reports Ian Shires (LibDem Willenhall North).

The proposal reads as follows “That government take the necessary steps to pass a new law to enable community pubs to trade on a level playing field by prohibiting irresponsible promotion of alcohol as a loss leader.

“Also, that government take the necessary steps to pass a new law to prohibit restrictive covenants that prevent any future use of a property as a “local service” as defined by the Sustainable Communities Act.”

If agreed by the Council the motion would be sent to the Local Government Association (LGA) and forwarded to the government.

The proposal would allow community pubs to compete on a level playing field with large retailers such as supermarkets.

It would  also stop the owner of a pub placing a restrictive covenant preventing the  property being used as a pub if sold on.

“Community pubs, like Post Offices, form a very important part of local communities” said Ian, “action needs to be taken now before it’s to late” he concluded.