Beer and Pub Association Reveal Troubled Plight of Pubs

Thu, 12 Feb 2009

New figures from the British Beer and Pub Association have revealed that a record number of pubs are closing every week in Britain as a result of the extreme economic downturn. On average, 39 pubs are shutting each week – an increase of 3 pubs each week compared to 2008. Suburban pubs are the worst affected, with 19 closing each week, compared to 12 a week in rural areas and 8 a week in town centres. The news has prompted the Association, which represents the brewing and pub industry, to criticise the Government over increases in beer taxes and millions of pounds of extra costs in red tape.

Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, commented, ‘With pubs closing at a record rate and job losses escalating, it is truly staggering that the Government is proposing to hit the sector with a £300 million bill for extra red tape this year alone. In fact, the Government openly state they believe that their new regulations will lead to more pub closures and job losses. Pub closures are a clear demonstration of the extreme financial and economic pressures facing the sector. At this time of deepening recession and rising unemployment, the Government should be actively looking at ways to support the community asset of the pub. They should not be introducing legislation that will condemn more pubs to closure and put more people out of work.’
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