27 pubs a week closing
Pubs have been closing at the rate of 27 a week – nearly four every day – over the past year, according to figures released by the British Beer & Pub Association. The current closure rate is 14 times faster than in 2005.
Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the BBPA, said: “Britain’s pubs are grappling with spiralling costs, sinking sales, fragile consumer confidence and the impact of the smoking ban.
“These figures show the stark reality of the pub trade today, in contrast to the hype surrounding the myth of 24-hour drinking. Pub closures at this rate are threatening an important hub of our social fabric and community history.”
At this rate of closure, many villages across Britain face a pub-less future in the next few years.
Beer sales in pubs – the backbone of the trade – are now at their lowest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s. This is all the more reason to freeze the duty on beer in this year’s Budget, says the BBPA. Today’s pubs are selling 14 million fewer pints a day than they did when sales were at their peak in 1979. In addition, rising costs in brewing, food and energy, have hit the trade hard.
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We really need to go back to the 70’s.
Only pubs & clubs & “beer offs” should be allowed to sell alcohol & even then only during limited hours.
Supermarkets are not only selling alcohol cheaper than they can buy it, they are closing pubs, just as they have done with “corner shops.”
Go back to the” good old days”, Don’t put the cost up, BUT do limit the supply/outlets?
david - March 5, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Sadly I have to say since the smoking ban trade in many pubs has decreased dramatically. This has been mostly noticed in places like the Foghorn, Wellington, Blue Anchor, London, Ship Eastbank street and probably many more. What I can’t understand is where have they gone? Who wants to sit at home with a can of John Smiths when you can be in the atmosphere of friendly chat, good entertainment and that all important barmaid to tell your troubles to. Prices are becoming ridiculous but that is caused by a combination of greedy brewers trying to keep their shareholders happy and a government who stupidly think ten pence on a pint will stop binge drinking. Make the shots 3.00 if they want but leave us pensioners with enough money to buy a pint – God knows they don’t pay us enough!!
jmensa - March 5, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I was in the Wellington and the Ship (Eastbank Street) recently. There was just no reason to stay in either pub – journeyman lagers,loud telly, nasty-looking regulars and – in the Welly – a lingering smell of peas. Sorry to hear about the London, though. That’s a pub I really like but haven’t been to in a while, i’ll make the effort to get up there as I love thier beer.
You’re dead right about the prices, though blame where it it is due, especially all this greedy nonsense about having to make drink more expensive to “save Britain”. We’re already giving away 20% or more of the price of a pint on tax and probably another 5% or more on short measures! No there’s a smoking ban, pubs need to get a grip
southportdrinker - March 5, 2008 at 10:32 pm