Column: Support England by supporting our pubs this World Cup
When England score in a packed pub, the whole room goes up as one.
Strangers become friends, every table joins in, and for a few seconds the worries of the week are forgotten.
That is why the World Cup matters, and that is why our pubs matter too.
Pubs are not just places to buy a drink.
They are where people meet after work, celebrate birthdays, watch football, raise money for charity, catch up with neighbours, or simply get out of the house for company.
In many towns and villages, the pub is one of the last proper community spaces left.
With the World Cup on the horizon, there will be a welcome boost for pubs across the country.
I also hope people support their local, not just during the big games, but before and after them too.
The truth is, pubs are under real pressure.
Recent reports have warned that even large pub groups are worried about tax, staffing costs, regulation and rising bills.
If big chains are feeling the squeeze, imagine how tough it is for small independent landlords trying to keep a local going.
Once a good pub is lost, it is often gone for good.
That means fewer jobs, weaker high streets and fewer places for people to come together.
The answer is not complicated – stop loading pubs with extra costs.
Cut tax on hospitality, reduce beer duty, ease the pressure on landlords who want to take on staff, sort out business rates, which hit high street pubs whether they are busy or not and give landlords a fair deal, so they can earn a living rather than just fighting to survive.
Saving pubs should not be party-political.
It is about protecting community life, local jobs and the character of our towns and villages.
Whether someone drinks beer, soft drinks, coffee, or only goes in for Sunday lunch, we should all recognise the value of a well-run local pub.
So yes, let’s back England, let’s enjoy the football.
But let’s also back the pubs that bring people together.
This World Cup, support your local.
Because if we want pubs to be there for the next tournament, we need to use them now.