Sandiford, P.Divers, P.2013-08-022013-08-022011International Journal of Hospitality Management, 2011; 30(4):765-7730278-4319http://hdl.handle.net/2440/79057The 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. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.enCopyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Public housesCommunityMarginalisationJournal article002012271910.1016/j.ijhm.2010.12.0080002932074000022-s2.0-7995880322922744Sandiford, P. [0000-0002-8075-6902]