According to research conducted by Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), an average of 12 pubs shut their doors for good every week in England, Scotland and Wales.
Since September 2011, roughly 300 commercial property public houses have permanently hung up their beer taps. This averages out at 12 closures every week, with eight in suburban areas and four in rural locations across the country. Of those closures, the West Midlands and Lancashire were the worst hit areas.
Speaking of the findings, Mike Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA, stated: “Whether situated in a small village, city high street, or on the edge of a housing estate, pubs are so central to our society that whole communities can grow around a particular pub.
“A threat to the future of traditional pubs is therefore also a threat to countless social groups within Britain that thrive because of their local.”
Obviously, as we are still in tough economic times, many people have limited disposable incomes to spend in pubs. Instead they may choose to buy alcohol from retail commercial properties and enjoy it with friends in the comfort of their own homes.
As well as lack of consumer spending power, CAMRA also believes that the continued Government increase in beer tax is having a crippling affect on the future of public houses. Since 2008, beer tax has increased by 42 per cent and shows no sign of stopping any time soon.
“Going to the pub is increasingly becoming an unaffordable activity. A third of the price of every pint you buy is now taxation,” Mike Benner added.
However, to slow down the closure rate and ensure that these commercial properties stay in our town centres and local areas, CAMRA is campaigning to stop the beer tax increases being above the inflation rate.
The company have started an e-petition and already have 36,000 signatures, but need 100,000 signatures before the petition can be brought to Parliament.
Speaking of the campaign, Mike Benner, said: “Unsustainable beer tax increases by the Government are ripping the heart out of community centres, but with over 33,000 consumers having recently signed the beer tax e-petition, beer drinkers and pub goers are actively voicing their discontent.
“CAMRA is now campaigning to secure 100,000 signatures, which would force Parliament to debate above inflation rises in beer duty.”
Are you a regular pub drinker? Or do you prefer to have a few drinks at home? Whatever you do, if you would like to sign the e-petition, to stop the increase in beer tax being higher than the rate of inflation, please visit CAMRA’s website.
