Ashfield councillors in Nottinghamshire are calling for more local support for independent pubs and tougher action from government on VAT, beer duty, business rates and the wider cost of running a pub.

The Protecting Ashfield’s Pubs motion will be proposed by Hucknall North councillor Gordon Mann (pictured on left) and seconded by Hucknall Central councillor Lee Waters (pictured on right).

The message is simple: Ashfield District Council should do what it can locally, while pressing Westminster to ease the national pressures that are forcing up prices and putting pubs at risk.

Cllr Mann said: “Most of us can name a pub that has been part of our community for years. They are places where people meet friends, celebrate birthdays, watch the football, raise money for local causes or simply have a conversation with somebody.

“They also provide real employment opportunities. For many young people, a pub is where they get their first job, learn confidence and gain experience dealing with customers. They support cleaners, chefs, bar staff, entertainers, tradespeople and local suppliers.

“Many pubs also support local farmers, producers and food businesses by buying locally. They are vital to live music too, giving new bands somewhere to perform, build a following and learn their trade.

“I remember seeing a then little-known heavy rock band called Judas Priest at the Plough and Harrow in Hucknall in 1974. Only a few years later, they were selling records around the world and playing to huge crowds. It shows how an ordinary local pub can help give talent its first opportunity.

“When a pub closes, the community loses far more than a building. We lose jobs, social space and another piece of local character. We want the council to do everything practical it can to help good local pubs stay open.”

The motion asks council leaders to draw up a straightforward Ashfield Pub Protection Plan.

This could include help finding grants, support with licences, promoting pubs through local events and making it easier for landlords to get useful advice from the council.

It would also help residents understand what they can do when a valued pub is at risk. This includes considering whether it could be listed as an Asset of Community Value, which may give the community more time to act if it is put up for sale.

Local publicans, residents, CAMRA and community groups would also be asked what support would genuinely help.

Cllr Waters said: “For years, pubs have been squeezed harder and harder while politicians in Westminster offer warm words and very little else.

“Independent landlords work long hours, take the risks, employ local people and help keep our communities alive. They should not be treated like an endless source of tax revenue while giant corporations and online businesses seem to get an easier ride.

“This motion is about backing local people who work hard and create jobs. Ashfield should use every power available to stand up for our pubs, but the government must also act on VAT, beer duty, staffing costs and the wider tax burden on hospitality.

“People are tired of watching valued community businesses disappear while those in charge shrug their shoulders. We need less talk, less red tape and more practical support.”

The motion calls on the council to write to the government and local MPs demanding long-term reform of business rates, VAT, beer duty and wider hospitality taxation.

Councillors say the aim is to give independent pubs a fair chance to succeed, protect local jobs and keep important community venues open.

Cllr Mann added: “Once a good local pub has gone, it is rarely brought back. We should act before more communities are left regretting what they have lost.”