09-March-2007 The Publican - Pubs "totally invaluable", says Prince Charles
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Role of community pubs celebrated at Clarence House reception
Prince Charles has highlighted the vital role of community pubs during a speech to pub trade representatives at his official residence Clarence House.
Speaking at a reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the launch of Pub is the Hub, he said the impact pubs have on their communities was “totally invaluable”.
But he also highlighted the problems that some village pubs faced.
“Rural communities face unprecedented changes and challenges and the local pub is under particular threat,” he said. “We can hopefully play an important role in giving essential services, which are absolutely crucial.”
Prince Charles co-founded Pub is the Hub in 2001. The initiative is designed to help pubs diversify and offer other services to their community, such as post offices and libraries.
He also noted that the demand for Pub is the Hub was “growing massively”.
Around 150 guests were present at the reception, including a variety of pubs which have benefited from the scheme.