Closing Time - Pubs shutting doors at record rate

Britains pubs are having to permanently close their doors at a record rate, particulalry in towns and cities throughout the UK.

2% of pubs within city areas have closed in the last 6 months, this 2% may not seem much but comprises of roughly 4 pubs a day having to close. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) carried out a survey and found that 1,409 pubs have closed since 2007 and Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the BBPA stated that “These figures show the stark reality of the pub trade today, in contrast to the hype surrounding the myth of ‘24-hour drinking’ and extended pub opening hours.

The BBPA have outlined some reasons for these closures including; the smoking ban, economic slow down and the credit crunch, infrequent and tempremental weather conditions and the rise in the price of beer.

However although there has been a decrease in license applications, it is the credit crunch and not the smoking ban as some belived that has been suggested as the reason for the down turn. In a survey of over 1500 publicans by the CGA found 52% reported a decrease in revenue, 38% claimed business had stayed level and only 10% reported an increase in profits.

So does this mean the end for Britains pubs? What do you think would help improve the stuation? 

YOU HAVE TO BE LOGGED IN TO COMMENT