Dear Emma,

We are writing to you on behalf of the Campaign for Pubs, the new grassroots membership campaign for publicans, pub campaigners, customers and suppliers.

As the BBPA has done, the Campaign for Pubs has warmly welcomed the clarity that has now been provided to English pubs regarding the possibility of reopening from the 4th July 2020. The previous uncertainty was deeply unhelpful for all pubs and pub-owners and operators, whether a multi-national brewer, one of the large pub-owning companies or one of the thousands of individuals who run our nation’s pubs.

We note your statement in the Financial Times (25th June) where you mention that the pub-owning company members of the BBPA were looking to open 80 to 90 percent of their estates. Considering these pubs are predominantly large venues able to cater for far more customers with social distancing than the average UK pub it is most likely the total number of pubs in England which will open on the 4th July will be considerably lower. Indeed the Campaign for Pubs has monitored the situation and there is now no doubt that a considerable number of small businesses will not feel able to open on 4th July under the new guidance, due to various factors including…