I got sent this article today: John Healey: Practical help served up for struggling pubs

Lots of interesting stuff:

Quote Originally Posted by press release
Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be also banned.
Quote Originally Posted by press release
Government has thrown its weight behind the recent Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee Report to relax the "beer ties" - the rules that require tenant landlords to buy beer supplies only from pub companies or "pubcos". This will mean that landlords can buy locally sourced guest ales as well as their usual stock, to increase the range of choice for customers and support the local economy. If the industry does not fulfil its promise, Government will legislate to open up the market.