Last orders at the local for 80% of drinkers
FOUR in five people have lost at least one of their local pubs in the past five years, a study has found.
A total of 476 boozers called time in the first six months of this year – up 13 on the previous six months, according to the Campaign for Real Ale.
It means 18 pubs are lost every week across the country. The North West and South East of England are worst hit, each losing over 60 since January.
Some 80% of people recall at least one shutting within five miles of their home since 2013.
Landlords are struggling under a triple whammy of beer duty, business rates and VAT. A third of the price of a pint is now made up of taxes.
CAMRA, this week hosting its 41st annual Great British Beer Festival, urged ministers to abandon further tax rises for pubs in November’s Budget.
Current plans will increase beer duty by around 2p per pint, with pubs set to lose £1,000 in business rate relief. Inns and bars contribute £23.1billion to the UK economy annually.
Jackie Parker of CAMRA said: “As taxes rise more people are choosing to drink at home, and pubs are closing. Fundamental change is needed if pubs are to survive for future generations.”