§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Countryside Agency's 'The Pub's the Hub' campaign; and if she will make a statement. [46453]
§ Alun MichaelThe concept of the pub being "the hub" of the rural community is being promoted by Business in the Community as part of its Rural Action programme launched in July 2001. Rural pubs have great potential to assume a business and community role in the future as 743W one-stop shops for essential rural services while at the same time helping them to increase their own long term viability.
In December 2001 the Countryside Agency, working with Business in the Community and the British Beer and Pubs Association published "The Pub is the Hub: a Good Practice Guide". This guide provides local case studies of village pub diversification, and a check list for expanding business opportunities.