Since the copy deadline for the December issue of Beer Matters, there have been a number of local developments:

1. On 21^st.November, the Chair of Sheffield CAMRA and myself met with Ccl.Jack Scott in order to discuss ACV applications to Sheffield City Council (SCC). At that meeting, he promised a further meeting, ‘early in 2017,’ in order to discuss the establishment of a city-wide pub promotion/protection and beer destination/tourism strategy. Since then, despite a number of email reminders, there has been no suggestion of a date/venue for such a meeting from SCC.
2. The Plough –  on 10th.January, SCC Planning committee unanimously rejected an application by Sainsburys to turn the Plough into a ‘convenience store’ – the next step is up to Enterprise Inns. Ideally, they will sell the pub (at a sensible price) to a local pub, brewery or community group.
3. The Cherry Tree – An ACV application was submitted by a local group on 21^st.October. The Co-op have since put in a planning application to demolish the building and replace it by a shop. A forthcoming Planning Committee (14th.February) will make the planning decision. We understand that the ACV decision will be made before that date (the decision was due on 2nd.December).
4. The White Lion achieved ACV status on 21^st.November. Congratulations to all concerned.
5. Sheffield CAMRA submitted an ACV application for The University Arms on 23^rd.December. A decision from SCC is due by 17^th.February. An acknowledgement letter from SCC confirms this date.
6. Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Campaigns Group has written to SCC expressing disquiet regarding their procedures and practices

To summarise, we:

• have little confidence in the way SCC are managing the ACV process. The process is non-uniform and deadlines are not met
• feel that SCC are expecting Sheffield Citizens to jump higher than Parliament requires (regarding ACV applications). It is over-reaching itself by demanding higher tests than those required by Parliament.
• have a serious concern that in applying higher hurdles than those required by the Localism Act 2011, SCC is acting Ultra Vires.

Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer