They are often lit up outside pubs (7)

This clue could be a double definition.

'they' is the first definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'often lit up outside pubs' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'are' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?