FROM THE EDITOR: How we would love to raise a glass to the future of our pubs

In the list of things we can all do to help our local economy, surely having a pint or two is among the best?
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Many of us would dearly love to nip out for a quick drink at our local.

Lots would also love to put on our poshest frock and pop into town for a cocktail – after a much-needed visit to the hairdresser, of course.

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There are so many things that we didn’t realise quite how much we would miss after weeks confined to our houses.

Before the lockdown, Sheffield had a blossoming beer scene and led the way for independent breweries. Picture by Simon HulmeBefore the lockdown, Sheffield had a blossoming beer scene and led the way for independent breweries. Picture by Simon Hulme
Before the lockdown, Sheffield had a blossoming beer scene and led the way for independent breweries. Picture by Simon Hulme

One thing is for sure, these empty venues are also desperately missing us and our pounds.

Their doors are only meant to be closed temporarily but many landlords are concerned that they be out of business before they get the chance to pull another pint.

The numbers of pubs who need help or fear for the future is stark, as you’ll have seen on today’s front page.

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These might not be an essential service but they are a vital part of our city, our neighbourhoods and our lives.

None of us want communities without these welcoming places to share a drink, meal and joke. That would be a terrible repercussion of this virus.

Our business editor David Walsh asked a question on this very topic at the Downing Street press conference earlier this week.

Before lockdown, Sheffield had a blossoming beer scene and we led the way for independent breweries.

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These small firms set the standard and create a scene that is very special.

However, they are also often most exposed to problems – and nobody expected trouble on this scale.

What we needed to do was put our city more on the map and attract in more visitors to discover the wonders we all enjoy.

Sadly, quite the opposite has happened and now what we need is a lifeline for survival.

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So, support is vital from government no matter what the turnover or how many people are employed.

There are many demands on resources but let’s not create accidental victims.

This city is full of experts on this subject, not including those of us who think we know everything after too many drinks.

They must be listened to and they must be helped so we can get our city back to normal as quickly and smoothly as ipossible.

I have no doubt Sheffield will turn out to support our pubs as soon as we can do so safely.

We aren’t half missing our mates and a good natter over a drink.