Popping down to the local for a pint is synonymous with life in many British villages – but this could prove harder and harder to do as the number of pubs dwindle and the British beer and pub industry declines, taking British community spirit with it…
The Great British pub is firmly embedded in Britain’s culture and history and tied up with many people’s sense of community spirit and values. Where better to mull over the events of the day than clutching a pint in the local?
Now, with up to six pubs closing every day, a new survey has revealed that a whopping 80 per cent of people are concerned that community spirit will vanish alongside them. Last year, it was revealed that 1.8 million fewer pints were being sold every day compared to 2007.
The recent wave of around 2,000 post office closures sounded the death knell for the English village and the notion of rural community spirit and now the closure of pubs looks set to have the same effect.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)’s latest survey shows that almost two-thirds of people believe the local pub is a vital element of local communities.
Reasons behind the decline of pubs include the smoking ban and the huge discounts offered on booze by retail chains, both of which have played a part in lowering the number of pub customers. The recession has also meant that more people are staying in rather than going out.
But the main reason behind the closure of so many pubs is the Government’s proposed above-inflation increase in beer tax, which is pricing many pub owners out of the market.
Seventy per cent of those surveyed by the BBPA are opposed to the increase and vehemently believe that the British Government is not doing enough to save such an important industry. Up to 75,000 people could also be out of jobs if pubs continue to decline at the current rate.
Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the BBPA, said, “The British public is deeply concerned about the decline of local communities, and the rapid closure of pubs is an important part of that.”
The pub trade magazine Morning Advertiser reported that 155 MPs have signed a parliamentary motion demanding that the Government change its plans to increase beer tax and take more measures to protect the local pub.
The magazine also found that The Justice for Licensees and the Save the Great British Pub campaign group, which has more than 188,000 members, believe the Prime Minister and Chancellor have fundamentally failed to help the industry.
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