As part of a government initiative encouraging MPs to work in local businesses Sheryll Murray joined staff for a shift behind the bar of the Devon and Cornwall pub in her home town of Millbrook.
Sheryll, who used to work behind a bar in the constituency, chose to do this in the same week that the Government launched a review of restrictive covenants, a legal clause that can be used to prevent community pubs reopening as public houses following a sale. In just 5 years under Labour - between 2004 and 2009 - some 572 pubs are said to have been permanently lost following a sale with a restrictive covenant, potentially depriving thousands of regulars of an important community asset. In a statement the government said of protective covenant’s “We are putting the people back in charge, giving them the power to step in and save their much-loved community assets. By reviewing this restrictive red tape we will enable people to use their collective powers to ensure that their locals remain local and continue to thrive at the heart of every community.”
After her shift Sheryll said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to spend time with staff and local residents in my local. Pubs and clubs across South East Cornwall are fantastic places where communities can get together and meet. I would like to thank landlords Russell and Mark (pictured) for their invitation and Steff and Shelley, the professionals, for their patience whilst I got to grips with pulling pints and conquering how the till worked.”
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Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Sheryll’s office on 01579 344428.