The public house and its role in society's margins

The aim of this conceptual paper is to explore the contribution of the British public house (pub) to marginalised sections of the community. There is a long tradition that celebrates the pub's quasi-egalitarian ethos as welcoming people from all walks of life. However, increased financial pressures on the pub sector dictate an evolution in this role, especially towards disadvantaged sections of society. This situation merits further examination by researchers, managers and policy makers. The paper draws on evidence from different traditions of research including management, sociology, history and geography, to develop a conceptual framework highlighting the issues facing these stakeholders in today's business environment.

Research highlights▶ We explore the contribution of British pubs to society's margins. ▶ We present a conceptual paper drawing from a wide range of evidence. ▶ Changes in pubs may further alienate marginal segments of their clientele. ▶ Financialisation presents a challenge for publicans and policy makers. ▶ Duty of hospitality is central to a pub's socio-cultural sustainability.