PUBS AND LOCAL SHOPS

That this House believes that pubs and local independent shops are vital assets for local communities; notes that 12,000 local shops closed in 2009 and that pubs are closing at a rate of 12 a week; recognises that there are a large number of reasons for these closures, including the success of chain shops, the rise of supermarkets, the economic environment and planning regulations; further notes that communities across the country have expressed concern that chain shops and supermarkets have harmed their high streets; further believes that pubs are frequently the hub of a local community as well as an excellent place to drink responsibly; welcomes the Portas Review and the Government's response to that review; further believes that local communities should have the opportunity to retain premises for use as a pub or a local shop if they choose to do so; and therefore calls on the Government to review planning regulations to enable communities to support pubs and local independent shops.