Pubs shut at rate of 19 a week
Plea to Government to halt crisis
STRUGGLING pubs are closing at an average rate of 19 a week, alarming new figures show.
Between July and December of 2017 a shocking 460 boozers called last orders for the final time.
The closure rate was even worse between January and June, when it reached 525.
Over the year as a whole 985 pubs shut – equal to 18.9 every seven days.
Now campaigners want urgent action to cut the “perfect storm” of different financial burdens on locals.
The Campaign for Real Ale blames the closures on a triple whammy of beer duty, rapidly rising business rates and VAT.
With a third of the cost of a pint now made up of duty, Camra wants the Government to review the way beer is taxed.
The closure figures were compiled by Camra’s WhatPub online bar guide.
The South East was hardest hit in the second half of 2017 with 62 closures, followed by the North West on 59. Camra boss Colin Valentine said: “Pubs are now facing a crippling tax burden, exacerbated by the perfect storm of the last business rates revaluation and a high level of beer duty. It’s clear a fundamental change is needed if the British pub is to survive for future generations.” The Sunday Mirror’s Support Your Pub campaign, which is backed by Camra, has been urging the Government to get behind locals.
The number nationwide has slumped from 67,800 in 1982 to fewer than 50,000, hit by increased costs and changes in drinking habits.
But Camra says Britain’s departure from the EU provides new chances to support pubs, such as the potential for lower rates of tax for draught beer.
Mr Valentine added: “As Britain prepares to leave the EU, there is a unique opportunity to update the tax system to better support pubs.
“They are a bastion of British culture and at the heart of communities across the country. “We are now challenging the Government to be the most pro-pub in history by seizing this opportunity.” North West ...................... 59 Greater London ............. 52 South West ...................... 47 West Midlands ................ 35 Wales ................................. 19 TOTAL ........................... 460 SHE’S eight months pregnant – but the Duchess of Cambridge defies bitter cold yesterday to honour the Irish Guards on St Patrick’s Day. In Catherine Walker coat and hat, Kate gave wolfhound mascot Domhnall a pat at the parade in West London. Wills had some heir of the dog too. Elsewhere, Sydney Opera House went green... for St Patrick’s G’Day.